TRAUMATISM OF THE CORD. (Blows, etc.).—(Fractures and dislocations, gunshot and stab wounds, etc.).
Symptoms.—They differ according to the place where the cord is injured. The motion and feeling power may be disturbed. There may be sudden complete paralysis of the upper and lower extremities depending on how severely the cord is injured, and how high up the injury is. The bladder and rectum may not act properly. The contents may be retained or "run-away." Death follows sooner or later if the injury is extensive. In some cases the symptoms are slight in the beginning, but increase in a few days, or they may suddenly increase a few months afterwards. In other cases, bad symptoms at first may gradually abate which is due to the blood clot having been absorbed.
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Recovery depends upon the extent of the injury and the constitution of the patient. It is always well to be careful about expressing an opinion about this injury.
Treatment. Immediate.—Surgical treatment is necessary. Absolute rest is a necessity, and must be had for weeks according to the severity of the case. It may seem long and become tedious, but the case must have rest for a long time.
ORGANIC DISEASES OF THE SPINAL CORD. Caisson Disease; Divers' Paralysis. Causes.—This affection occurs in divers, bridge builders, and others who are subject to increased atmospheric pressure. The symptoms develop on coming suddenly to the surface when the atmospheric pressure is greatly lessened.
Symptoms.—They usually occur on the return to the surface of the water, or after a few hours have passed. There are pains in the ears and joints and nose-bleed. The pulse is slow and strong. Neuralgia of the stomach and vomiting often occur. Paralysis of one side, or of the lower extremities may occur. Brain symptoms may develop and death may follow in a few hours. In most cases recovery takes place in a few days or weeks.
Treatment.—Persons who are engaged in such work should change very gradually from a great depth to the surface, and should not go into the outer air suddenly.
MYELITIS.—Myelitis is an inflammation of the spinal cord.
Causes.—It may occur at any age, and is more common in male than in female. The exciting causes are prolonged exposure to severe colds, too great mental and physical exertion, sexual excess, blows, bleeding into the cord, alcoholic excess, acute infectious diseases, syphilis, etc.