TA'BES DORSAMIS, an affection of the nervous system, now known in medicine as locomotor ataxy. Tabes dorsalis was so named by Romberg of Berlin; but Dr. Todd of London in 1847 first recognized its true nature, and specially insisted on the distinctions to be drawn between tabes dorsalis and paraplegia (see PARALYSIS). The name of loco motor ataxy was first applied to the affection by Dr. Duchenue of Paris. It is charac terized by a want of power in harmonizing the action of certain muscles, the absence of such co-ordinating power being first apparent in the lower extremities, and the gait in consequence being straggling and unsteady. True paralysis is absent, but sensitive ness is diminished, and neuralgic pains are present in the legs and feet. The loss of power progresses, and the later stages of the malady arc marked by such symptoms as disordered vision, incontinence of urine, and exhaustion. The duration of this disease varies. It may run its course in a few months, or be prolonged over years. The etiology or causes of tabes dorsalis are still obscure. Mr. Lockhart Clarke has shown that a peculiar change in the posterior columns of the spinal cord, and in the posterior or sen sory roots of the spinal nerves, accompanies this disease. Prolonged exposure to cold and damp, drunkenness, sexual excesses, masturbation, and like causes have been cred ited with inducing the disease. It is alleged to be more common in males than in
females, and subjects between the ages of 30 and 50 are said to suffer most frequently from its attack. The characteristic movements in tabes dorsalis are worthy of note. The patient has an unsteady gait, and walks like a drunken person, but soon recovers his bearing in some degree. A difficulty in carrying out the intents of the will is expe rienced, and in picking up an object one hand is employed to steady the other. When the eyes are shut, the patient walks with extreme difficulty. Tabes dorsalis may be dis tinguished from disease of .the cerebellum by the absence of the characteristic pain at the back of the head, and vomiting. The prognosts of tabes dorsalis is very unfavora ble. Its progress may be retarded, but the prospect of ultimate cure is well nigh hope , less. The treatment, as may readily be understood, is limited to the improvement the general health, rather than to any specific remedies. Warm clothing, nutritious food, and rest are the chief items in the course of treatment prescribed for this disease; while opiates are indicated for the relief of the itturalgic pains. Sulphur baths have been prescribed in the earlier stages to relieve the numbness, and attention requires to be paid to the bowels with a view of alleviating constipation.