Myelitis of the Anterior Horns, Or, Spinal Paralysis of the Adult and Child (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 Excerpt: ...gained still more. During the first two years of my observation of this case I looked upon it as one of spinal meningitis with effusion involving the anterior roots of the spinal nerves, but in the last two years I have been led to consider that during the attack of cerebro-spinal fever, there occurred myelitis of the anterior horns. In this sense the case might be classed with some of those of paralysis with wasting following acute disease (Westphal, S. G. Webber and others). Case XLIV. Brought to my clinic, September 23, 1876, by Dr., ' of Williamsburgh. A man aged twenty years, of good constitution, and fully developed frame. During the past spring and summer patient suffered from pain and soreness, and hyperaesthesia of the limbs. This pain was neither neuralgic nor rheumatic. About two months ago legs became weak, and have since gradually become paralyzed to a marked degree. Within a short time after paresis of the legs, the arms and hands became weak. (Enema of the hands and feet appeared. The bladder and rectum have not 1 The gentleman who brought me this very interesting case will, I hope pardon me for not giving his name. I did not know it, and he has made no report since. been paralyzed; and the only muscles of the trunk which seem to have suffered are the abdominal, as evidenced by weak voice, and imperfect cough. There is neither history nor evidence of syphilitic infection. Examination yields the following results. There is no paralysis about the head; pupils are right; tongue points straight. Inspiration is well done; expiration is weak. Upper extremities are moderately paralyzed; some voluntary movements can be done by all muscular groups except extensors of hand. Left arm more palsied than the right. The lower limbs are more affected; lying o...