Clinical lectures on neurasthenia.

  • Savill, Thomas Dixon, 1856-1910.
Date:
1902
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Clinical lectures on neurasthenia. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    The exciting causes which may determine an attack of neurasthenia are very numerous, and there are at least fifteen different clinical conditions which may bear a causal relation to it. (1) Overwork is one of the most familiar causes in all of our experiences ; too long hours, too close attention to work without a break, and an inordinate desire to finish an allotted task. One finds it in busy city life, in the keen struggle for existence, and one finds it also most frequently in the autumn months, when men have not been away for some time. Over- work of the mind is what I am chiefly referring to, but physical exertion is also a strain upon the nervous system. Prolonged forced functioning of any nervous structures undoubtedly results in their malnutrition or atrophy. But it is surprising what the nervous system will tolerate, and how quickly and readily it will recuperate, provided the mind be free from worry and anxiety. (2) Disturbed or deficient sleep may also determine the disease. This is really another form of over-functioning, for the nervous system requires its proper proportion of rest in each twenty-four hours. (3) Great grief, emotional strain of any kind, and pro- longed anxiety, including the trouble and worry of making both ends meet, are all potent causes. (4) Traumatism, or severe nerve-shock without actual injury, may be a cause. I have a man, aged 37, attending among my out-patients at the present time, who received a severe blow on the head, and, as a consequence, suffers from neurasthenia, which came on suddenly the day after the injury. Sometimes, however, the symptoms do not appear for one or two weeks, or more. This traumatic neurasthenia is sometimes a matter of great importance in a court of law, where perhaps a large sum of money may be at stake. The