GIDDINESS. 303 



met with independently of any disturbance of that organ. As years go by the 

 vessels of the brain lose their elasticity, and the circulation becomes irregular, so that 

 there is congestion in one part and deficiency of blood in another. 



In persons under fifty years of age, giddiness is not a complaint that need give rise 

 to much anxiety. There is no danger to life the fear of apoplexy or paralysis is as 

 :i rule unfounded. Sudden and violent attacks of vertigo, however unpleasant they 

 may be, are seldom dangerous, and in the vast majority of cases depend on some 

 disorder of the digestive organs. In persons over fifty the occurrence of vertigo for 

 the first time calls for strict investigation. A constant sense of uncertainty in 

 movement, a susceptibility or inclination to giddiness from the motion of passing 

 objects, especially if combined with a cloudiness of intelligence, is not a favourable 

 omen. When a severe attack without obvious cause occurs to a person advanced 

 in life, the greatest care must be taken, the more so if it be associated with 

 vomiting, or constant nausea, tingling of the extremities, or pins and needles in the 

 hands or feet. It may be laid down as a rule that the longer the complaint has 

 existed in any given case, the less likely is it to prove dangerous. 



Giddiness occurring in people below the age of forty often yields readily to 

 remedies directed to the liver and stomach. It is a good plan to begin treatment 

 with a blue-pill at bed-time, and a black draught or dose of rhubarb in the morning. 

 If the bowels show any tendency to become constipated, they may be kept in order 

 with Friedrichshall water. For correcting acidity and improving the tone of the 

 stomach, the gentian and soda mixture (Pr. 14) should be taken in two table-spoon- 

 ful doses three times a day, half an hour before meals. The addition of five minims 

 of tincture of nux vomica to each dose often increases its efficacy. Food should be 

 taken in small quantities, and should be well and frequently masticated. Should 

 the teeth be decayed they should be seen to at once, and the skill of the dentist must 

 be resorted to for supplying any that may be wanting. A man often dates his 

 restoration to health from the time he had a set of false teeth. Probably the best 

 thing to drink is Yichy water, with a little brandy in it at meals. Malt liquors are, 

 as a rule, to be avoided. The tub in the morning, regular hours, sleeping on a 

 mattress in a large airy room, and out-door exercise, are great adjuvants to treatment. 

 We need hardly say that freedom from the cares and anxieties of business is very 

 desirable ; even should the vertigo prove to be not stomachal in origin, this pre- 

 paratory treatment is likely to do good, and in the majority of cases it alone will 

 effect a cure. Should anaemia be present, iron (Prs. 2, 3, 6, or 7) is indicated. 



In vertigo from mental anxiety or over-work, bromide of potassium (Pr. 31) often 

 does a great deal of good. This remedy is also indicated in the giddiness occurring 

 in women about the period of the change of life. When poor living and scanty food 

 are the accompaniments of over- work, we gain more from measures directed to. the 

 improvement of nutrition. Generous living and a moderate allowance of a good 

 full-bodied wine do more good than anything. In addition, Parrish's Chemical 

 Food, ammonia and bark (Pr. 13), or the quinine mixture (Pr. 9), may be employed 

 as adjuncts. In some instances very great benefit is derived from the syrup of 

 hypophosphite of lime (Pr. 55). 



When there are threatenings of paralysis, caution must be employed in taking 



