A case of hydrophobia / by Charles D. Homans.

  • Homans, Charles D. (Charles Dudley), 1826-1886.
Date:
[1854]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A case of hydrophobia / by Charles D. Homans. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

    5/12
    5i, P.M.—Visited patient with Dr. John Homans ; Dr. W. B. Morris, of Charlestown, was also present, having been called in during my ab- sence, and from this time he followed the case with me to its termina- tion. Pulse as before. Has had a good dejection from the oil, after having taken two teaspoonsful. Skin moist, covered with an acid, offen- sive perspiration. Spasms occurred, without any particular exciting cause, about once in ten minutes ; they were of a shivering nature, and lasted about one minute. They were excited by the slightest touch, the sudden approach of a person to the bed-side, the sight of a lamp, or by a current of air, but not by the noise of liquid poured from one vessel into another. The approach of liquids to his lips was especially disagreeable to the lad, causing a jerking backwards of the head and a suffocative feeling in the throat. No increase of saliva. During the intervals of paroxysms, respiration was tolerably easy, though always hurried ; expression of countenance anxious, frightened ; manner nervous, agitated ; answered questions correctly, and was rather more inclined to talk. Ordered brandy, one part to two parts of water, a tablespoon- ful to be given every half hour, and oftener if possible. 12, P.M.—Spasms were more frequent and distressing. Patient was able to take warm liquids 3J. at a time, but with great suffering. In giving him anything to drink, it was necessary to carry the spoon slowly towards his mouth, which always caused a spasm as above stated. Af- ter a moment he was able to open his mouth slightly, when the spoon was quickly thrust in by the attendant, and its contents swallowed with a sudden snapping motion of the jaws ; this was followed by jerking of the head backwards and difficulty of respiration for a minute or so. If the spoon was presented to him suddenly, he said, Don't! you frighten me! Oh dear! 1 wish I wasn't so fidgety, &c. Brandy and water had been given to him at short intervals, but the odor being disa- greeable to him, whiskey was substituted. The paroxysms became more frequent and violent, but the mental faculties were almost preter- naturally clear, the lad frequently asking the nature of his complaint, the cause of the profuse perspiration, &c, and expressing great willingness to take anything which would make him any better. Tuesday, Feb. 28.—At 12}, A.M., the inhalation of ether was at- tempted, but the approach of the saturated sponge causing frightful con- vulsions, it was abandoned for chloroform, which, however, we were obliged to lay aside for the same reason. He violently resisted these two remedies, would not suffer the sponge or handkerchief to come near his face, and exacted a promise that the attempt should not be made a^ain. Spitting of thin mucus commenced at this time.