Note on the use of paraldehyde in delirium and insomnia / by E. Mansel Sympson.

  • Sympson, Edward Mansel, 1860-1921.
Date:
[1889]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Note on the use of paraldehyde in delirium and insomnia / by E. Mansel Sympson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    1/2
    NOTE ON THE USE OF PARALDEHYDE IN DELIRIUM AND INSOMNIA. BY E, MANSEL SYMPSON, M.A., M.B. CANTAB., M.E.C.S. Lincoln. In two of the cases quoted in the foregoing paper it will be seen that tliis drug was used to prevent delirium and procure sleep. In another case of pneumonia in an adult, where there was, as usual, sleeplessness and slight wandering, and in one of acute bronchitis in an old man, it was of very great service. Again, in a case of right hemiplegia, due probably to thrombosis, with restlessness and excitement, it procured refreshing sleep. Another case of chronic insomnia was relieved temporarily, and the patient enjoyed tolerable nights after the drug was discon- tinued. Lastly, in a case of chorea in a young lad, paralde- hyde, although the chorea was getting worse, seemed to give the patient more sleep than he had when not taking it. In aU. these kinds of disease, to be able to assure the patient of a sound natural night's rest is an unqualified gain, a direct saving of strength to the patient, and a great relief to his friends, whoni probably one night's wandering alarms beyond measure. Certainly in delirium the action of paraldehyde is excellent, and I am told that in acute alcoholism it is safe and sure. Mor- phine, chloral, and potassium bromide all have great limitations, especially when one needs them most; and for those cases, where there is no pain, paraldehyde is harmless and most useful. I generally gave for an adult 7jss in an ounce of Aq. Mentlue Piperitse, to be taken at 8 or 9 P.M. and again at 12, and at 3 A.M. if needful. The second dose was hardly ever required in the cases referred to, the third never.