ANESTHESIA

This condition—strictly speaking—belongs to the domain of the
neurologist; as it plays a not important rôle, however, in some cutaneous
maladies, it may be briefly referred to. Cutaneous anesthesia is central
or peripheral in origin. There may exist structural change in the skin,
or this may be absent. It may be local or general; usually it is limited
to certain areas, or it may affect only one, or even both, sides of the body.
There exists numbness in the areas involved, or the sense of feeling may
be entirely lost. The sense of touch is also quite frequently impaired,
sometimes partially, but probably more commonly completely. It may
affect only a single nerve-tract, or several may be involved. In the con­
dition known as analgesia dolorosa of Romberg there is acute pain in the
part, yet sensibility is lost. It may be idiopathic or symptomatic, and
due to causes acting from without or within. The most usual external
causes are cold, the local application of ethyl chlorid, cocain, chloroform,
etc. The effects of the administration of internal anesthetics, such as
chloroform, ether, nitrous oxid, etc., are too well known to require more
than simple mention. Lesions of the nervous system and pathologic
conditions of the brain and cord are to be regarded as important factors.
It occurs in such diseases as syphilis, scleroderma, and leprosy. The
variety known as hysteric anesthesia is not uncommon.

Prognosis and treatment of this condition will manifestly de­
pend on its nature and underlying cause.

¹ Hall, Philada. Med. Jour., Dec 24, 1898.

² Ibid., Jan. 7, 1899.

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.