TETANY. — The fact that tetany, as well as myxcedema, has not rarely been observed after extirpation of the thy roid gland has suggested the use of this remedy. It has seemed to be of value, especially in the idiopathic tetany of children.
Form following total removal of thy roid gland a manifestation of acute •yx oedema, and due to complete arrest of thyroid secretion. Thyroid extract cura tive. Common tetany may be due to lack of thyroid secretion. Thyroid treat ment should be tried. Bramwell (Brit. Med. Jour., June 1, '95).
Case which presented none of the symptoms of myxcedema and possessed an apparently healthy thyroid gland. Tablets, 1 to 3 daily, consisting of 4 grains of thyroidin, used for about a month; the symptoms entirely disap peared. Four months later there had been no recurrence; hence it may be as sumed that the cure was perfect. Max Levy-Dorn (Then. Monat., H. 2, S. 03, '96).
I. In the idiopathic tetany of children the administration of the thyroid gland is extremely useful; it always dimin ishes the intensity and the frequency of the attacks, and shortens the duration of the disease; it also notably hastens the arrival of the latent period which precedes recovery. 2. The treatment is well tolerated. 3. The organic exchanges, the digestive function, and diuresis are not notably influenced. 4. The circu latory and respiratory functions are ac complished normally. 5. In very young children, on account of their perfect tolerance, it is useful to administer the thyroid gland, raw or slightly cooked, internally. 0. With the exception of cer tain peculiar cases, it is not necessary to suspend the treatment from time to time. 7. The daily dose is from 30 to 60 grains. 8. This treatment is not op
posed to the symptomatic treatment, as it does not present any incompatibility with the methods ordinarily employed. Leone Maestro (Riforma Medica, No. 110, '96).
Tounnows. — Spasmodic torticollis would also seem to enter within the field of thyroid-gland treatment, although a single case can do but little more than suggest its further trial.
Case of spasmodic torticollis in which thyroid extract was used. History of four attacks of influenza. On leaving his bed after the third attack, neuralgic pains on the right side of the neck, right shoulder, upper arm and side; slight numbness in the legs. A days later violent attack of pain, during which his head was drawn down toward the right shoulder. These attacks became fre quent, eventually occurring as often as three or four times in an hour. The sterno-mastoid was slightly hypertro phied. Ordered 10-miLim doses of thy roid extract to be taken three times in the day: equal to about one average sized gland. After having taken 2 drachms of the extract, the attacks be came less frequent, and were attended with less pain, and after taking about 2 ounces of it he suffered so little in convenience that he discontinued the treatment. On a subsequent occasion, lie was kicked by a horse on the outer right thigh; great tonic muscular spasm; siderable shock. For two days the spasm continued unabated. Thyroid extract renewed; after taking 30 minims the spasm became gradually less, and on taking the drug for two more days it completely subsided. H. H. P. Cotton (Brit. Med. Jour., July 24, '97).