94 ENDOCRINE GLANDS 



sometimes the exophthalmos and would seem to act as 

 symptomatic medication. Hallion has shown experimen- 

 tally that the extract of pituitary has a vaso constrictor 

 action on the thyroid. Claude has observed that the 

 extract of pituitary slows down the heart in cases of 

 Basedow's disease and thinks that pituitary organo 

 therapy has a favorable action on Basedow's disease. 



III. TREATMENT WITH PHYSICAL AGENTS. 



Tepid hydrotherapy sometimes gives excellent results. 



Electricity has shown itself to be one of the best thera- 

 peutic measures. Faradisation has a vaso constrictor 

 effect and decreases the secretion of the gland. Galvani- 

 zation has a sedative and calming action. To-day both 

 methods are used. 



Radiotherapy was advocated first in America, then in 

 France. It gives very variable results. Some are im- 

 proved, others are not affected and we do not know why. 

 It is usually the nervous and cardiac symptoms which are 

 first improved. 



IV. SYMTOMATIC TREATMENT. 



The palpitations are attenuated by tincture of Stro- 

 phanthus in rather large doses : 8 to 10 drops three times 

 a day. Digitalis is indicated in cardiac insufficiency which 

 complicates the disease. 



The tremor can be improved by Belladonna and 

 Jusquiam. Scopolamin is a less easily used drug and 

 must be watched carefully. 



The nervous disturbances are treated by sedative 

 medications: bromides, valerian, antipyrin, aconite, etc. 



The general condition is often improved by arsenic, 

 phosphates, etc. 



