Epilepsy, comparative pathogenesis, symptoms, treatment / [Louis Jacob Josef Muskens].

  • Muskens, L. J. J. (Louis Jacob Josef), 1872-1937.
Date:
1928
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Epilepsy, comparative pathogenesis, symptoms, treatment / [Louis Jacob Josef Muskens]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    49/460 (page 29)
    25.3.09. Anaesthetic administered and a large portion of the bony spinal arch removed. The operation was successfully carried out, and it seemed highly probable that the animal would do well, but it died two days later. Epitome.—In this last case, after moderate doses of mono¬ bromide of camphor, the animal displayed tactile reflex shocks. A larger dose produced indisposition but not a fit. Protocol 11.—This is a case which shows an increased sus¬ ceptibility to monobromide of camphor before parturition. Protocol 11, Cat. 16.3.05. At 10.30 a.m., f- gramme monobromide of camphor given, dis¬ solved in oil, and injected intramuscularly. At 12.30 p.m., exaggerated reflexes were present. At 3.30 p.m., the first big fit occurred. At 4.50 p.m., after a second fit, the animal mewed incessantly. On testing it was found not to withdraw its paws from the vicinity of a lighted candle. At 5.20 p.m. recovery had proceeded so far that it did withdraw its paws from the proximity of the candle flame after two minutes. There were no spon¬ taneous shocks. 20.3.05. Partus. Animal gave birth to six kittens, four dead, two alive. 28.3.05. One and one-fifth grammes again injected intramuscularly as before. At 3.30 p.m., a candle flame was drawn slowly along the plantar pads, and the paws were withdrawn, but only after repeated exposure. 4.4.05. At 9 a.m., id grammes again given as before. No symptoms followed, except a few spontaneous shocks. 27.4.05. At 9 a.m., id grammes again given as before. At 4 p.m., reflex shocks of an exaggerated character, followed on tactile and acoustic stimuli. At 4.50 p.m., there were few violent reflex shocks, then a severe fit, and finally post-epileptic shocks. In the protocols of the experiments, one finds cases such as Nos. 3 and 6, where approximately equal doses of the mono¬ bromide of camphor were given to an animal over a fairly long period, with about equal results. This was done with the object of finding out as precisely as possible the exact effective dose. It has been seen that several factors influence the amount of the effective dose. A meat diet increases the resistance, so also does the condition of good nutrition, while a larger dose is also necessary where the animal has had a good meal. On the other hand, pregnancy diminishes the tolerance. It has been found from experiment that where the monobro¬ mide of camphor is given in capsules by the mouth, 0-5 gramme to 1-5 grammes is an effective dose for a cat. This dose will produce exaggerated myoclonic reflexes to tactile or acoustic stimuli or fits in practically all animals used experimentally. It would appear as if the mechanism for these phenomena lies latent in the nervous system of animals, and is ready to act on due stimulation. The cases of poisoning with this drug strongly suggest that the same condition holds good for man also. The symptoms of poisoning in man are exaggerated reflex myo¬ clonic shocks, spontaneous shocks, and fits (compare p. 42). In