CHAPTER XIV. 

 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



Genera,! Causes. Epilepsy. Falling Sickness. Chorea, St. Vitus's 

 Dance. St. Guy's Dance. Vertigo, Megrims in horses. Lock-jaw, 

 Trismus, Tetanus. Convulsions, Fits. Sleepy Staggers, Coma Somno- 

 lentum. Apoplexy. Inflammation of the Brain, Phrenitis, Encephalitis, 

 Cerebral Meningitis. Inflammation of the spinal cord. Myelitis, Spinal 

 Meningitis. Epidemic Cerebro-spinal Meningitis, Cerebro-spinal Fever. 

 Enzootic Myelitis in sheep. Trembling, Ilydro-rachilis. Paralysis. Loss 

 of sensation or voluntary motion. General Paralysis. Paraplegia, Palsy 

 of the hind limbs. Hemiplegia, Palsy of one lateral half of the body. 

 Facial Paralysis. Other local paUie?. Stomach Staggers and Acute 

 Leai Poisoning. Sun-stroke. 



The frequency of these affectiotis bears some relation to the 

 development and activity of the great nerve centres and especi- 

 ally the brain. They are often symptomatic of other diseases, 

 the irritation being conveyed along the nerves to the nerve 

 centres so as to derange their functions ; at other times they 

 have their origin in these centres themselves. Among common 

 causes may be named : exposure to intense heat or cold, 

 especially with a dry parching atmosphere ; excess of light ; 

 deranged or excited circulation, as in loss of blood or plethora, 

 obstacles to the return of blood from the head, by the jugular 

 veins, or imperfect supply from thickening of the cranial bones ; 

 the influence of poisons, pressure, etc., severe over-exertion ; 

 digestive, hepatic and urinary disorders, and parasites. 



EPILEPSY, FALLING SICKNESS. 



This is seen in dogs, cattle, horses, and pigs in about the 

 order named. It usually exists independently of any observable 



