EPILEPSY FITS FALLING SICKNESS. 269 



being still taken, the seizures revert to their previous rate of frequency. An increase 

 of the dose is followed by a similar succession of events ; a further increase by a 

 second succession of temporary improvement and subsequent deterioration ; and so 

 on until a larger dose of from thirty to forty grains is given three times a day, when 

 the attacks cease altogether. The bromide of potassium should not be pronounced 

 a failure until large doses have been given frequently. Many epileptics derive no 

 benefit from bromide of potassium, simply because they do not take enough of it. 

 "We should advise that the medicine should be taken regularly for some weeks, or even 

 months, after the fits have ceased. Many people no sooner get rid of their fits than 

 they forget all about their medicine, and never think of it again until they are 

 reminded of its value by a return of their old enemy. Another thing is that when 

 the bromide is taken it must be taken regularly. It is of no use taking it for a day 

 or two and then omitting it for a week, or any thing of that kind. You must simply 

 go straight on with it as steadily as clockwork. The bromide is said to prove most 

 beneficial in those cases in which the attacks occur chiefly in the day-time ; but the 

 fact is, it answers admirably in all cases. 



In some people bromide of potassium produces little hard red spots on the face and 

 shoulders. Sometimes, too, it gives rise to drowsiness, dulness of apprehension, and 

 muscular weakness, especially in the legs. These symptoms fortunately all disappear 

 on temporarily discontinuing the use of the drug. In some persons they never occur, 

 even when the drug is taken in large doses, day after day, and week after week. 

 These symptoms may be obviated by a very simple precaution : Take your bromide 

 of potassium only six days in the week instead of seven have a Sunday's rest in 

 this as in everything else. This will prove successful, and the bromide will act 

 equally efficaciously in controlling the fits. When the bromide is taken for a very 

 long time it may be useful to discontinue it occasionally for about a week, or the 

 system gets accustomed to it, and it may lose its effects. 



Bromide of sodium is sometimes preferred to bromide of potassium. It may be 

 given in the same dose, and in the same way. Some people mix it with an equal 

 quantity of common salt put it in the salt-cellar and use it at meals. This saves 

 trouble, and you cannot forget to take your medicine ; but by this plan you get a 

 very variable dose. 



Bromide of ammonium is sometimes used instead of the bromide of potassium, 

 and is found to answer equally well. Some doctors use a mixture of the bromide of 

 potassium and ammonium thus, instead of giving fifteen grains of bromide of 

 potassium, they give ten grains of bromide of potassium and, five grains of bromide 

 of ammonium mixed. 



Other remedies for epilepsy are employed, but we believe that none of them are 

 equal to large doses of the bromides. Belladonna is, with many people, a great 

 favourite, and it undoubtedly often answers admirably. It is indicated when, in 

 addition to the fit, the following symptoms are present : Sparkling of the eyes, 

 dilated pupils, intolerance of light, flushes of heat, and redness of the face, and start- 

 ing at the least noise. It may begin in three-drop doses of the tincture, or the 

 belladonna mixture (Pr. 39) may be employed if more convenient. If administered 

 as soon as the indications of the fit are observed, it may succeed in arresting it. 



