On spinal apoplexy / [Alexander Peddie].

  • Peddie, Alexander, 1810-1907
Date:
1847
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On spinal apoplexy / [Alexander Peddie]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    OX SPINAL APOPLEXY. Morbid affections of the spinal cord and of its investing membranes, more especially those denominated Spinal Irritation, Spinal Meningitis, and Myelitis, are by no means uncommon ; but hemorrhage into its substance or theca,—a disease usually distinguished by the name of Spinal Apoplexy—or the Hematomyelie of the French, appears to be of comparatively rare occurrence. That this affection should be so infrequent, may perhaps be attributed to the strength of the ver¬ tebral column, and its adaptation for the diffusion of shocks sus¬ tained by strains and blows ; but it must at the same time be kept in view that there is nothing in the anatomical structure, or functions of the cord and membranes, to exempt them from the evil effects of a congested or hurried circulation, and consequently from the occurrence of extravasations. The reverse of this is the case, as Ludwig,1 J. P. Frank,2 Ollivier,3 Hutin,4 and others have explained, chiefly from a consideration of the arrangement of the spinal vessels, the absence of a valvular apparatus, and the influence of respiration on the motion of the blood,—as in the case of the brain itself. Besides, although the spinal cord is not the seat of intellect, it is apparently much influenced by mental acts and emotions, and powerfully so by sensations; and hence it is, that in fever and many other maladies,—more especially when the brain is the organ chiefly affected, its medullary prolongation is apt likewise to be im¬ plicated, to a greater or less extent, either by direct extension or 1 Adversaria Medico-Practica. Leipsick, 1770. Tom. i., p. 730. 2 De Vertebralis Columnse in Morbis dignitate oratio Academica. Pavia*, 1791. Tom. xi., an. 1792. 3 Traite des Maladies de la Moelle Epiniere. 3 Edit., Tome ii. 4 Nouvelle Bibliotheque Medicate. Tome i., p. 162 A