COMPARATIVELY RARE DISEASES OF THE BRAIN 241 



gradually paralyzed, losino; all power of the muscles. The patient is dull 

 and unconscious of external influences. The breathing is rattling and 

 stertorous. The pulse is increased a number of beats, but is almost im- 

 perceptible to the touch. The temperture now begins to rise. In some 

 cases the temperature may remain normal, and in rare instances falls below 

 normal. As a rule, the animals die shortly after the convulsions make 

 their appearance. Complete recovery is very rare, and slight attacks ter- 

 minate as a rule either with paralysis (partial or complete), idiotism, or 

 blindness. 



The course of this disease varies greatly in affections of the cere- 

 bellum. If the hemispheres are affected, we may have extensive altera- 

 tions of the brain, which may run their course without any decided symp- 

 toms being shown; but as soon as the cerebellum and one or both hemi- 

 spheres become affected, we then see the various symptoms peculiar 

 to this disease, and a diagnosis can be made with almost absolute certainty. 

 In disease of the cerebellum there is generally an unsteadiness of the 

 gait in walking and peculiar movements, such as walking around in a 

 circle and rolling on the ground, when both hemispheres are involved. 

 We may also find paralysis of the posterior extremities. In rare instances, 

 however, these symptoms may also be presented in cases of poisoning 

 (by cocaine or apomorphia). 



The differential diagnosis betw^een inflammation of the brain, con- 

 gestion of the brain and rabies is taken up under another head. 



Very similar symptoms to those already described appear in cases 

 W'here the cysticercus cellulosse is present in the brain or its membranes. 



Therapeutics. — The treatment of inflammation of the brain cor- 

 responds with that of hypersemia of the brain. Rest, confinement in a 

 dark, but not warm, room, cold applications to the head, clysters, laxa- 

 tives, especially calomel and in cases of great excitement, sedatives (mor- 

 phia sulphas 0.02 subcutaneously, chloral hydrate 2.0 to 4.0, by the 

 mouth, or per rectum, in the form of clysters). The violent irritants 

 which were formerly used on the skin, such as croton oil or cantharidal 

 ointments rubbed on the inner fascia of the thighs and along the spine, 

 are of no particular benefit, in fact do more harm than good. Food 

 should be light, and easily digested, such as soup, broth, etc., and to as- 

 sist in the reabsorption of the exudate, iodide of potassium may be ad- 

 ministered internally. 



Comparatively Rare Diseases of the Brain. 



The following diseases of the brain are rarely seen, but a description 

 may be useful to the practitioner. 



Chronic Hydrocephalus. — This condition is similar to what is known 

 IG 



