412 THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES. 



for them than common salt. Many people value a drug and estimate the good 

 it does them by its rarity, or the price they pay for it a very pernicious 

 principle. 



Nux Yomica (Pr. 44) will sometimes be found useful, especially when the 

 stomach symptoms predominate. Small doses of carbolic acid are sometimes used. 

 A tincture made from the Iris versicolor, or common blue-flag, has proved successful ; 

 it is said to be indicated when the headache is preceded by a film before the eyes. 

 A small piece of aconitia or veratria ointment, rubbed into the forehead quite at 

 the commencement of an attack, will sometimes cut it short (see NEURALGIA). An 

 ever popular remedy is blue-pill. Friedrichshall water often does good. 



Next as to the treatment during an attack. As the suffering in megrim is 

 greatly aggravated by every form of motion and muscular exertion, and is 

 relieved by recumbency and quiet, the patient from the commencement should 

 retire to a darkened room, as far from noise and disturbance as possible, and, 

 lying down, should endeavour to maintain the position that appears to be most- 

 comfortable. If he can succeed in falling off to sleep the attack may be cut 

 short, and in any case the suffering will be less than if he had attempted to keep 

 about. Many doctors recommend that the position should be a slight incline, with 

 the head highest ; and this position may undoubtedly be adopted with advantage 

 when there is throbbing or pulsation of the head. Should there be chilliness, a 

 plentiful supply of blankets and a hot-water bottle to the feet will probably do 

 good. A diffusible stimulant, such as a stiff glass of braiidy-and- water, given quite 

 at the commencement, will sometimes cut short the attack. A dose of bromide of 

 potassium three or four table-spoonfuls of the mixture will often induce sleep 

 and quickly afford relief, but not unfrequently it fails. Sometimes a dose of 

 bicarbonate of potash has a similar effect. A cup of strong tea or coffee often 

 prevents a threatened megrim seizure, especially if the patient can remain quiet 

 for a time. A gentleman informs us that he obtains greater relief from a bottle 

 of soda water, in which a lemon has been squeezed, than from anything. Should 

 it fail, he takes another after a short interval. A dose of guarana may do good, 

 but, as we have said, it is somewhat uncertain in its action. Some people resort to 

 an emetic, and a patient of ours always endeavours to make herself sick by 

 thrusting her fingers down her throat; but it is not the pleasantest of remedies. 

 The inhalation of a little chloroform or ether from a handkerchief or piece of 

 lint may afford temporary relief, but it is not a measure, one is justified in 

 resorting to without the presence of another person. Nitrite of amyl has been 

 employed as an inhalation with success. It is to be used in the manner indicated 

 when speaking of angina pectoris (see ANGINA PECTORLS). When the pain is limited 

 to one dde, keeping up pressure on the head with the hand, or rubbing the forehead 

 often does good. Many people obtain relief by plunging the head into cold 

 water, or tying a damp towel round the head. Others advise that in addition 

 mustard plasters should be applied to the calves of the leg. It must be confessed 

 that often enough these measures do little or no good, and many people will be 

 found to endorse the following opinion : " During the paroxysm there is scarcely 

 anything to be done ; moreover, the patients are so much afraid of all noise, motion, 



