MEGRIM, OR SICK-HEADACHE. 411 



milder forms, and when sickness is not a prominent symptom. It is extremely effica- 

 cious in relieving the slight attacks many delicate and nervous women experienco 

 after fatigue or excitement. 



Cannabis indica, or Indian hemp, is another valuable remedy. It is found 

 serviceable, both in cases with little or no nausea, and in cases accompanied by 

 severe vomiting. It is useful in attacks accompanied by spectra, and is especially 

 effective when, from fatigue, anxiety, or change of life, the attacks. are becoming 

 more frequent A third of a grain of extract of Indian hemp should be taken twice 

 or thrice daily. This dose can be made up into a pill by any chemist. It is a 

 pharmacopceial remedy, and it may be taken for a month or more without any 

 fear of ill effects. Should the dose we have recommended fail to do good, it 

 may be increased to half a grain twice or thrice daily (Pr. 67). It is one of the best 

 remedies we have for megrim, and its use should not be discarded without a fail- 

 trial. 



Of the use of valerianate of zinc we have already spoken when dealing with the 

 subject of headache generally (see HEADACHE). 



Guarana, or Brazilian cocoa, has been somewhat extensively used during the last 

 five or six years in the treatment of sick-headache. It consists of the powdered 

 seeds of Paullinia sorbilis, and is usually given in fifteen-grain doses. One of these 

 powders should be taken every night, and on the occurrence of an attack, every 

 three hours. It is especially recommended when the pain is confined to the right 

 side. It is a little bit uncertain in its action, but it sometimes acts quite like a 

 charm. Guarana belongs to the same botanical family as tea and coffee, and the 

 active principle of the latter caffeine has been used successfully in the treatment 

 of sick-headache. 



Iodide of potassium is a remedy often employed with success in these cases. It 

 is especially indicated in any case in which there is a syphilitic taint, but even when 

 there is nothing of the kind it often succeeds admirably. Two table-spoonfuls of 

 the mixture (Pr. 32) should be taken three times a day for a week or more. 



Bromide of potassium is most likely to succeed in women exhibiting a marked 

 hysterical tendency, or in those who have some derangement of the womb. Two or 

 three table-spoonfuls of the mixture (Pr. 31) should be taken three times a day, for 

 at least a fortnight. 



Chloride of ammonium not unfrequently does good. The dose is from thirty to 

 forty grains three or four times a day, and it is best given in milk. The great point 

 is to take plenty of it, for small doses seldom do any good. Should it not succeed 

 quickly it will probably not succeed at all. 



Common salt has been recommended, but we have had no experience of its 

 use. An author of repute says : " I will only mention as a contribution from my 

 own experience of such cases, that long periods of exemption from returns of 

 their headaches have occurred to patients who have faithfully observed my direc- 

 tions that they should drink a tumbler of common salt and water every morning 

 an hour before breakfast." It is curious that so simple a remedy should not have 

 come into more general use. We suppose the fact is that patients who consult 

 a physician for their ailments expect to have some more potent remedy prescribed 



