On the pathology of delirium tremens, and its treatment without stimulants or opiates / by Alexander Peddie.

  • Peddie, Alexander, 1810-1907.
Date:
1854
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the pathology of delirium tremens, and its treatment without stimulants or opiates / by Alexander Peddie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    possession, a search having been made for it by my instructions ; and he did not deny that he had been helping himself to a little from time to tune. Ipecac, to be continued ; also beef-tea, etc. 4th day, 10.30 a.m.—Had spent a very turbulent night. Is lying at present with a poker in his hand, with which he had been warding off supposed intruders. Now, however, he is asleep, and has continued so since 9 a.m., but is very distressed, judging from his moans, and the movements of the muscles of the forehead and eyebrows. 2 p.m.—Has just awoke after sleeping five hours. Pulse 84 ; hands very tremulous, and voice bleating; tongue cleaner. Mind confused, but no raving. Inclined to be quiet. To have beef-tea or a mutton chop, if he can take it. Discontinue medicine. 5th day, 10 a.m.—Has passed an excellent night. Pulse 80, soft, and of good character. Feels his head quite cool and clear; and talks intelligently on some favourite subjects of study. 6th day.—Greatly improved. Intends to walk out a short distance. 7th day.—Feels better to-day than he has done for months.1 Remarks.—The above case is an illustration of the opinion that morphia alone (or opium), will not produce delirium tremens, but that the combination with stimulants will very readily induce an attack—even a very short course of drinking. Here also it is apparent, that the morphia latterly produced a stimulating and in¬ jurious effect, so much so, that during the premonitory stage of the delirium tremens, the patient voluntarily diminished the dose ; and that subsequently, its stealthy use protracted and aggravated the attack. I am of opinion that the ipecacuan did good (although, perhaps, not so much as the tartar emetic would have done); and that its effects would have been more apparent had spirits not been taken on the second day of the paroxysm, and morphia repeatedly. Case VI.—A clerk, set. 41. For a number of years a hard drinker, and for some time past indulging to a great extent, but said to have been very moderate during the last six or eight days, in consequence of general indisposition. Ap¬ pears to have twice had delirium tremens. On the last occasion is said to have been very violently and dangerously ill for three weeks, and to have been treated with spirits and opiates. IsZ day. Pulse 98 ; tongue foul and tremulous, also considerable tremor of hands, and agitation of manner ; countenance anxious ; bowels much dis- oideied ; sleepless. To have Mass. Pil. Hydrarg. gr. iv., Ext. Colocynth. gr. This patient died sometime since apparently from an apoplectic effusion, without having been under any form of treatment. Upwards of two years had elapsed since the attack above described. The practice of morphia eating, however, was soon resumed, and was persevered in to the last.