400 FUNCTIONAL NERVOUS DISEASES 



older, while true epilepsy affects the old as well as the 

 young. This will assist in the differentiation between reflex 

 and true epilepsy. 



Treatment. Treatment must be directed toward the 

 primary disease or condition producing the symptoms. 



CATALEPSY. 



Definition. This is a peculiar functional disease of the 

 central nervous system, probably of the cortex of the brain. 

 It is characterized by a suspension of voluntary motion on 

 the part of the subject, but when the position of the animal 

 is passively changed, it will be maintained by the patient 

 for a long time. 



Etiology. The cause of catalepsy is not known, though 

 it is probably of reflex origin. 



Pathology. No pathological lesions of the central nervous 

 system have been demonstrated. Degenerative changes in 

 the muscles have been observed, also small hemorrhages 

 in the stomach and intestines, but these are not constant. 



Symptoms. The attacks come on rather suddenly, the 

 animal becoming rigid, muscles hard and tense. The 

 eyes are fixed and dull in appearance, the pupils may be 

 dilated or contracted to the utmost. Sensation seems to 

 be inhibited during the attack. The circulatory and respir- 

 atory functions are undisturbed; temperature normal. If 

 the position of the animal's limbs be passively changed it 

 will remain in that position for a long time. 



Diagnosis. This is made chiefly by passively changing 

 the position of the body of the animal or its limbs. If it 

 remains in this position without change for a considerable 

 length of time, the attack is undoubtedly catalepsy. 



Course. The course of the attacks is from four to twenty- 

 four hours from which the animal usually recovers. 



Prognosis. The prognosis is not unfavorable, though the 

 attacks may recur. 



Treatment. The administration of antispasmodics is indi- 

 cated. Give morphin (0.032-0.2) subcutaneously, or chloral 

 hydrate (2.0-4.0) in emulsion per rectum. This will relieve 

 the attack, but there is a tendency to recurrence. 



