Injuries of nerves and their consequences - Reflex Sympathetic ...

TREATMENT. 263
His condition was too grave to allow of an electric examination.
There was no inflammatory swelling about the neck,
and it was, therefore, resolved to treat him with free passive
motion, breaking the adhesions and forcing him to
exert himself as far as he could. Tonics, porter, and liberal
diet were ordered, and the shampooing and passive
movement were vigorously carried out, despite his pain
and most earnest supplications to be let alone.
The bed-sores were treated with alternate applications
of iced-water for ten minutes, followed by a flaxseed-meal
poultice as hot as could be borne. This local means,
recommended by Brown-Sequard, succeeded marvelously,
as it
always does, the bed-sores healing easily within ten
days.
August 25th. — He is still
losing flesh. There is great
pain in the neck. Moves
his head and legs a little better.
ISTo
change in the arms. Despite his prayers and protestations,
the shampooing was continued; and on October
loth, he was greatly improved. He is fatter; the legs
can be voluntarily crossed; appetite voracious.
December 7th.— Great gain. Can move right arm freely.
Can raise his head ;
bend and turn the neck. Sits up daily.
December 29th.— Motion returning in right hand. 'No
gain in left, but in both the malpositions have been
relieved, and the hyperesthesia reduced. From this time
the improvement was manifest and rapid. On January
7th, 1864, the case was carefully reviewed with the following
results:
Nutrition.—^luch fatter; atrophy lessened. The hands
have lost their smooth, shining look, so expressive to us
of a nerve lesion. The nails are less curved. The temperature
is better.
Sensation.— Eight arm and hand.
Tactility and localizing
sense good. Left arm rather less perfect. Tactility