PALSY. 
ALSY is a hoor or diminution of sense or motion, or boelap : 
oP inore parts of the body. Of all the affections ‘called nervous, 
this is the most suddenly fatal. It is more or less dangerous, ac- 
cording to the importance of the part affected. A palsy of the heart, 
lungs, or any part necessary to life, is mortal. “When i it affects the | 
stomach, the intestines, or the bladder, it is highly re: sae lf 
the face be affected, the case is bad, as it shows that the disez ro- 
ceeds from the biewiasc When the part affected feels cold, is ee 
ble, and wastes away, or when the judgment and tncmory Boga 
‘fail, ‘there is small hope of a cure. — 
In some instances, the disease is confined to a particular part. or 
set of museles ; but it more usually happens, that one entire part of the 
body, from the head downward, is affected. When the spinal mar- 
row is injured, all the parts below the mjury, become insensible. 
Causes—A winddest shock, or any thing that prevents the seal 
exertion of the nervous power upon any particular muscle, or part « 
the body. The occasional and predisposing” are 
drunkenness ; wounds of the brain, or spinal 2 
the brain, or merves; very cold or damp: air ; the s supp Oss 
the customary evacuations ; sudden fear ; want of exercise ; or ahaa 
-ever greatly relaxes the system, as drinking much tea, or coffee. 
Palsy may likewise proceed from wounds of the nerves themse : 
or from the poisonous fumes of metals, as mercury, lead, arsenic, &c. 
When a palsy attacks any vital part, suchas the brain, heart, or 
lungs, it.soon terminates fatally. When it arises in consequence of 
an apoplexy, it is more difficult of cure. Paralytic affections of the 
lower extremities, ensuing from injury done to the spinal marrow, 
by blows, and other- accidents, are sometimes incurable. Partial, 
and sometimes, entire, palsy of the lower extremities, seem to pro- — 
ceed from a swelling and Fp of the womb, in females 
Symptoms.—Flaccidity of the paste, a diminished sensation im, 
incapacity of moving them ; distortion of the muscles, tremors, 
= the part, involuntary tears, despondency. 
-Cure.—The regimen must be pointed out from the cause. 
In young persons of a full habit, the palsy must be treated in the 
same manner as the sanguine apoplexy. The patient must be bled, 
blistered, and his body opened by sharp clysters and purgative medi-— 
cines. _Electricit a! and friction are also proper ; and if the rages 
or is generally the case,) a quite contrary cou 
a Ele diet must be solid, meoriing and invigorat 
