_Of Diseases of the Head,_
_Of the Apoplexy._
The apoplexy is a disease, wherein the patient falls down motionless,
void of sense and sensation, and is, in fact, a temporary death. It will
scarce however admit of a strict definition; for there are not only
various degrees of this disorder, but even different disorders under the
same denomination, that have quite distinct different causes for their
effect. Many indeed may be accounted for, but many more cannot.
The brain is the root of the nerves, and consequently the fountain of
all sensation, and life itself. That part of the human fabric is
extremely delicate, and blood vessels plentifully distributed. When
therefore these vessels become either so distended with blood, so as to
press the substance of the brain, that it is hindered from its motion,
confusion to the animal œconomy must naturally ensue; thence an apoplexy
in its various gradations is liable to be the consequence; but as the
vessels in such a distention are liable to break, and the extravasated
blood pressing the brain more forcibly without a chance of dispersing,
we plainly see one reason, why such a malady is apt to turn out fatal,
as we find it sometimes does.
Such causes may either proceed from external, or internal injuries;
thence we see that a heavy fall, or contusion on the head, may occasion
an apoplexy, or at other times, a congestion of blood to the head may
produce the same malady.
Sometimes the patient is motionless; and to all appearance dead, and
nothing but a faint pulsation remains; at other times there is indeed
more signs of life, but more terrible in appearance,—namely a convulsive
breathing and foaming at the mouth, without the least signs of sensation
or perception; in which case there is much to be feared, that vessels in
the brain are burst.
However in all these extremities, nothing can contradict the indication
of bleeding, except extreme weakness, and debility of the system; which
here is very rarely the case.—After bleeding, a large blister between
the shoulders should immediately be applied, and treated as directed in
the second lecture, page 75.—A draught like No. XXX. will also be of
singular service, till the patient comes to; after which he will require
such treatment as is directed under fevers; for that disorder will
always attend the shock that the apoplexy gives to the animal system.
_Of the Frenzy and Delirium._
When the root of the nerves are stimulated by acrimony, so as to
heighten their sensibility, or set their regulated perception in
confusion, the ideas become bewildered, and the sensations act at
random. This is generally the case with patients in acute and malignant
fevers; and this conception differs from dreaming in this respect, that
the phantoms of the confused imagination may be somewhat guided by the
objects around them; as they may be said to dream with their eyes open
and full awake.
When the frenzy attends acute fevers, the blood is generally in a great
confusion, and the pulse high and fluctuating. Yet bleeding should by
all means be avoided, unless indeed the disorder has come on remarkably
sudden. Blisters here are requisite; and in order to take off the
stimulus of the nerves, give the patient the following draught.