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Writers' CrampPersons engaged in other occupations than writing, who are compelled to use the same muscles constantly for many hours daily, are often similarly affected. Tailors and sewing-girls, for example, may lose the power of holding and guiding the needle ; and women who are compelled to work a sewing machine may have a similar affection of the feet and legs. Treatment of Paralysis.- In every case the first object is to ascertain the cause. In many cases careful investigation will show that the cause can be removed and the paralysis relieved. Thus paralysis affecting various parts of the body, even an entire half, as in hemiplegia, may be due to syphilis, for an individual who has had this disease is liable to inflammations in the brain which may paralyze his muscles. These are the most favorable cases for treatment, since, if taken early, they may be readily cured by the following prescription : Iodine, ----- Eight grains. Iodide of potassium, - Ten drachms. Syrup of sarsaparilla, - Eight ounces. Mix, and take a teaspoonful after meals ; the dose may be gradually increased to two or even three teaspoonfuls. In other cases paralysis results from slow poisoning of some of the metals, such as lead and mercury. These forms of paralysis are, of course, found with especial frequency in those who are compelled to handle and work with these metals. Lead poisoning may occur, too, among women who employ cosmetics containing the article, and from the use of drinking-waters which pass through imperfectly constructed pipes. In these cases relief may be obtained by the use of the following in connection with the measures to be presently mentioned : Iodide of potassium, - - Five drachms. Water, - - Four ounces. Take a teaspoonful four times a day. In addition to this the sulphate of magnesia may be' given in doses sufficient to keep the bowels active ; for this purpose it may be necessary to give from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful of this laxative every day. It would be impossible to follow out in detail all the different measures which may be at times useful in the treatment of paralysis ; for every case must be studied and treated separately ; it has been already stated that paralysis is a symptom and not a disease. Yet there are certain measures which will be found useful in almost all cases, and which may be therefore mentioned here. Prominent among these is electricity. Physicians have come to rely upon this agent as furnishing excellent results, though it must not be expected that a cure can always be effected. When, for example, paralysis results from an inflammation or hemorrhage in the brain, the application of electricity to the arm or to the leg can be of no service. Another most valuable agent is massage. This process, which is now extensively employed by physicians, is performed as follows : the patient is stripped, or at least as much of the body is laid bare as is required for treatment; an attendant then kneads, pinches, pulls and rubs the flesh until a gentle glow and feeling of warmth are excited. This process may seem at first somewhat rough, and may leave a slight soreness, but in a short time these symptoms no longer occur and evident benefit results. Considerable practice is required for the skillful performance of massage, but much benefit can be conferred even by an inexperienced person who will persevere in the effort. It is highly important that those afflicted with paralysis should have the benefit of fresh air and of such exercise as they are capable of taking; for this purpose it may be necessary to furnish them with the assistance of perambulators, easy chairs, and other mechanical contrivances. Among the remedies which may be employed with advantage in certain cases of paralysis, are strychnine and phosphorus. The former may be given in the following prescription : Sulphate of strychnia, - - Half a grain. Reduced iron, - - Thirty grains. Extract of belladonna, - - Eight grains. Mix and make thirty pills. Take one morning and night. Phosphorus can be best given dissolved in almond oil; one- fourth of a grain of phosphorus may be dissolved in two ounces of the oil, and a teaspoonful of this may be taken morning and night. 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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