134 jVIr. Shaw on the Facial Nerves. 



the cousequence of concussion, but which generally subsicies 

 without leaving- any marks of partial paralysis. 



The cases already given will perhaps be considered suffi- 

 cient evidence in support of the opinions advanced, as far 

 as they relate to aflfections of the face. I could offer many 

 circumstances to prove, that the same order holds in the pa- 

 ralytic aflfections of the other parts of the body ; but, before 

 the observations could be made in the same methodical manner 

 as those upon the face have been, it would be necessary to 

 give a minute description of the nervous system of each part. 

 I shall, therefore, at present, merely beg my reader to observe 

 the degree of perfection, with which the organs of respiration and 

 circulation (which are supplied with nerves from die superadded 

 system), perform their functions in a patient, who has entirely 

 lost the use of the limbs of one side. 



Several cases might be added to prove the fact, and of 

 which the knowledge is so important to the physician, that 

 paralysis of those actions which are dependent on the respi- 

 ratory nerve of the face, is much more frequently caused by 

 inflammation and suppuration of the parts surrounding the 

 nerve, than by any affection of the brain. The details of those 

 cases would corroborate the observations that have been 

 already made, but they are more adapted to the pages of a journal 

 dedicated to medical science. However, there is one important 

 circumstance in the history of some of those patients, which I 

 should not, on the present occasion, omit. That, after having 

 been repeatedly bled, blistered, and starved, without any 

 change being produced in the symptoms, they have been sud- 

 denly cured by the bursting of an abscess, or by the subsiding 

 of an inflammation of the ear. This statement will perhaps 

 prevent others from undergoing a treatment, by which the local 

 disease was not alleviated, but the general health much 

 impaired. 



The knowledge of the fact, that paralysis of the face alone, 

 generally depends on a local cause, will also probably afford 

 relief to the minds of those who are affected with such symp- 

 toms, and who in consequence of the idea commonly received, 



