The colic demands the administration of opium or its derivatives to relieve the pain, which is commonly excruciating. For this purpose the hypodermic injection of morphia is our most efficient remedy. Alum in doses of twenty to thirty grains every four or six hours is useful in lead colic.
For the relief of the local paralytic affections local as well as general treatment is necessary. Massage is of great use, especially when combined with passive movements. Galvanism, one large electrode being applied to the cervical vertebræ, the other to the extensor surface of the affected limbs, is followed by excellent results. Labile currents of fifteen or twenty cells should be thus applied, the poles being changed several times at each sitting. As the nutrition of the muscles improves faradic currents may be occasionally substituted. Persevering treatment is necessary to obtain the best results.
For the present relief of the arthralgia gentle frictions with or without anodyne liniments must be employed. The hypodermic use of morphine may become necessary in cases in which the pain is urgent. It is, however, here as elsewhere, to be if possible avoided. The tendency to recurrent joint-pains rapidly disappears as the poison is eliminated from the organism.
For the relief of the severe cerebral symptoms which are described under the term Encephalopathy special treatment is of little avail. All observers agree in recommending an expectant plan. The measures of treatment directed against the general condition, as above described, must be steadily continued. The influence of chronic lead-poisoning upon pregnancy is very deleterious. Constantine Paul14 and others have shown that the early death of the fœtus very constantly occurs. The prompt removal of women who have become pregnant, from all exposure to lead, and energetic medicinal treatment, are needed to obviate the danger of abortion.
14 Arch. gén. de Méd., vol. xv., 1860.
PROGRESSIVE UNILATERAL FACIAL ATROPHY.
BY CHARLES K. MILLS, A.M., M.D.