Читать книгу On the Curability of Certain Forms of Insanity, Epilepsy, Catalepsy, and Hysteria in Females онлайн

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A grain of opium is introduced per rectum, the patient placed in bed, and most carefully watched by a nurse, to prevent hæmorrhage by any disturbance of the dressing. The neglect of this precaution will be frequently followed by alarming hæmorrhage, and consequent injurious results.

The diet must be unstimulating, and consist of milk, farinaceous food, fish, and occasionally chicken; all alcoholic or fermented liquors being strictly prohibited. The strictest quiet must be enjoined, and the attention of relatives, if possible, avoided, so that the moral influence of medical attendant and nurse may be uninterruptedly maintained.

A month is generally required for perfect healing of the wound, at the end of which time it is difficult for the uninformed, or non-medical, to discover any trace of an operation.

The rapid improvement of the patient immediately after removal of the source of irritation is most marked; first in the countenance, and soon afterwards by improved digestion and other evidences of healthy assimilation.