The conclusions derived from the results obtained in seventeen cases are:—
1. That the drug has a decided influence for good upon the epileptic paroxysm.
2. That this influence is probably not so great or so sure as that obtained by the use of antipyrin and the bromide salts or even of the mixed bromides.
3. That in those cases in which it is of service it relieves the paroxysms, without causing any other unpleasant symptoms, such as are sometimes caused by the use of large doses of the bromides.
4. That the dose ordinarily recommended is too small, and that as much as a teaspoonful or more four times daily is often needed to secure results.
The following are some of the cases in which the remedy seemed to act beneficially:
H. T., male, aged thirteen years. Idiopathic epilepsy; had his first spell when five years of age; averages one paroxysm daily. The Solanum was first given in 10 drop doses t. i. d. without effect. When increased to 25 drops the spells were lighter in severity, but occurred about as often. The dose was finally increased to a teaspoonful four times daily. After being put upon this dose he was under observation six weeks, during which time he had six seizures much lighter in severity.
T. H., male, aged twenty-eight years. He had epileptic seizures for the past three years. They followed an injury to the head which rendered him unconscious, but produced no other visible injury. Since this, however, has had almost constant headache. First spell six month after the injury, and have been very frequent since, averaging three to four weekly; they are of ordinary type. Solanum in 40 drop doses three times daily was ordered. Spells at once decreased in frequency and severity. During the last six weeks he was under observation he only had three spells, very mild in type.
C. R., male, aged twenty-one years. Epileptic seizures for past three years following an injury. Had been trephined in right parietal region before coming under our observation. After trephining the symptom improved, but got worse again; when seen by us was having one daily. 40-drop doses of Solanum caused diarrhœa, and dose was reduced to 30 drops t. i. d., when diarrhœa ceased. Under this treatment he had no spell for two weeks. In the following month he had three spells; was then lost to observation.
A. N., male, aged thirty years. First spell one year ago; have since occurred every two weeks; good deal of headache. Ordered Solanum 30 drops t. i. d. No spells for one month and headache ceased. He then stopped attendance.