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Acute Chorea.It is usually necessary to restrain the movements of his body - by tying the limbs to the bed, since otherwise the patient would suffer serious physical injury through his own involuntary movements. The patient is apt to be at first amused by the absurdity of his own situation, and laughs heartily at the violence of his own grotesque and aimless movements. Within twenty-four hours it becomes evident, however, that the affection is no laughing matter ; the patient becomes exhausted by the violence of his own uncontrollable movements ; high fever occurs ; the patient must be nourished artificially. But in spite of all that can be done, in spite of morphine, chloral and chloroform, the patient continues the movements, and in from four to eight days dies exhausted. These cases are fortunately rare ; but up to the present time all modes of treatment are alike hopeless. Treatment. - In the majority of cases chorea terminates in recovery spontaneously. Hence it has happened that a vast number of remedies have acquired a reputation as specific cures for the disease, for the patient recovers no matter what remedy, provided it be harmless, be administered to him; hence every remedy which is thus used seems to cure the disease. It would be quite useless to name all the medicines which have been given for the treatment of St. Vitus' dance with apparent success. Those most frequently used are the bromide of potassium and the valerianate of zinc. In most cases it becomes necessary to administer tonic medicines, for the children are evidently in need of some blood-making reme dies. They are pallid and become more so as the disease progresses. It is therefore desirable to administer iron and cod liver oil. For this purpose one of the following prescriptions maybe given : Syrup of the iodide of iron, - Two ounces. Take ten to fifteen drops in water after meals. Citrate of iron and quinine, - One drachm. Cod liver oil, - Glycerine, - Each two ounces. Mix and take a teaspoonful after meals. This dose may be gradually increased if the stomach bear the oil well. Arsenic, - One-quarter of a grain. Reduced iron, - Ten grains. Extract of nux vomica, - Two grains and a half. Sulphate of quinine, - Ten grains. Mix and make twenty pills. Take one before meals. In other cases Fowler's solution has been used with advantage, two or three drops being given before meals three times a day, and the dose gradually increased. Whether these or other remedies be tried, there will be found cases which obstinately resist all treatment, at least by medicines alone; on the other hand, cases have recovered under strict attention to sanitary regulations after they had baffled almost all modes of treatment by drugs. This treatment consists of light and nourishing food and exercise. In some cases systematic gymnastics have been employed; but it may be laid down as a fact, that exercise is beneficial only when the mind is employed as well as the body; hence a residence in the country or at the seashore, or some other way of combining bodily exercise and mental recreation, is far preferable. If the child is compelled to remain at home, the cold bath should be employed every morning ; if possible a course of sea bathing will be found very beneficial. Another point is that the child should receive the sympathy and attention of parents and friends, and should be protected from the thoughtless ridicule which is naturally excited among children by the grotesque movements that cannot be controlled. In every case which proves at all obstinate, the patient should be submitted to the best medical advice. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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