INFLAMMATION OF THE SPINAL CORD AND MEMBRANES 249 



column by means of a woolen cloth; blistering with biniodide of mer- 

 cury or the use of the actual cautery, in the form of pin-point firing 

 along the spine. Sometimes in mild cases use an inunction of mustard 

 oil. If great pain is present use morphine, chloral hydrate, or sul- 

 phonal. If we succeed in lessening the convulsions, or if the paralytic 

 symptoms predominate, we must use stimulants such as strychnia and 

 electricity. The first should be used internally in the form of tincture of 

 nux vomica, from five to twelve drops, or subcutaneously in a strychnia 

 solution; the latter method is better. We must remember that one daily 

 injection is sufficient, and that a medical pause of from thirty-six to 

 forty-eight hours ought to be made every four or five days in order to 

 prevent the cumulative influence of this drug. 



TJ. Strychnia muriate, 0.005 



Aqua, 5.0 



Electricity is applied in the following method: after having pre- 

 viously dampened the region with a concentrated saline solution one 

 pole of the battery is placed on the spine and the other at the termination 

 of the paralyzed limb. For instance, one is put on the foot and the 

 other in the middle or side of the spine, gradually increasing the current. 

 In such cases, besides administering a purgative and cleansing the bowels, 

 we must also see that the bladder is emptied by means of a catheter. 

 Electricity is also a useful agent in peripheral paralysis, which has been 

 mentioned. The faradic current is preferable. Place one of the poles as 

 close as possible to the point of central location of the affected nerves 

 and gently run over the paralyzed muscles with the other pole. This 

 treatment should be renewed every day for ten or fifteen minutes. 

 Alcoholic frictions, such as spirits of camphor, tincture of arnica, bay rum, 

 opodeldoc liniment, are to be recommended when used in connection 

 with true massage (pinching, friction, and massage of the paralyzed 

 muscle in its proper direction). Warm baths are said to be useful. As 

 a means to promote reabsorption, administer iodide of potassium 0.09 

 internally. Subcutaneous injections of eserine and pilocarpine, or pilo- 

 carpine alone may be used if it is suspected that a large amount of fluid 

 exudate is on the cord. On account of the toxic properties of these 

 drugs, great care must be used in their administration. The bladder 

 must also be emptied by either pressure on the abdominal wall or by 

 catheterization, and the rectum emptied by means of clysters and the 

 food must be such as will digest easily. 



In cases of ossific pachymeningitis, Cadeac and others recommend 

 friction with strong liniments, actual cautery, or setons, along the spinal 

 column as well as painting the spine with tincture of iodine, and also 

 the internal administration of iodide of potassium, salicylate of soda, 



