SPINAL IRRITATION. This term has been applied to those functional disorders of the spinal cord and its nerves, which do not readily fall under the definitions of diseases of the same organs having more precise symptoms. Under the heads TETANUS, CHOREA, HYS TERIA, NEURALGIA, HYDROPHOBIA, and PARALYSIS, Will be found du. scriptions of definite derangements of the spinal cord and its nerves. But there is a general state of the nervous system in which some of the symptoms of one or all of these diseases may occasionally be pre sent, and in which there is very commonly present, pain in the spinal column induced or increased by pressure or percussion. To this state the term " spinal irritation" has been applied. What the precise con dition of the nervous system is in this disease it is impossible to say, but the general theory of its nature is that the spinal cord at some one or more points is congested, and that this congestion acts upon the sensitive or motor nerves proceeding from this part of the cord, and gives rise to the pains, spasms, and other anomalous symptoms complained of by the patient. condition is not unfrequently referred to hysteria, but as it may come on in the male as well as the female, there is evidently an impropriety in the use of this term.
It would be quite impossible to describe here all the nervous symptoms that may be referred to spinal irritation. Wherever nerves of motion and sensation are distributed they may become disordered, and thus there is no organ or part of tho body that may not be the seat of excessive pain or paralysis of sensation, of spasmodic or con vulsive action, and of a paralysis of motion. Such symptoms when they arc not fixed, and are connected with pain on pressure of the spinal cord, arc said to depend on spinal irritation. Whether these symptoms depend on a morbid condition of the spinal cord, or of the muscular or nervous tissue, or of tho blood, are still questions admitting of discussion.
The treatment of these cases has been directed very much by the theory held with regard to the cause of the nervous symptoms. There who advocate the theory of congestion of certain portions of the cord, recommend the employment of counter-irritants over the tender part of the spine, whilst those who believe that they arise from an under nutrition of the nervous and muscular tissues, recommend a treatment addressed to the restoration of the nutritionary powers of the system. Those who think the blood is the source of the disorder, likewise adopt the same general principles of treatment.
Whatever may be the theoretical views held with regard to the nature of the symptoms, known under the name of spinal irritation, there seems to be a general agreement that they come on iu asthenic states of the system, and that antiphlogistie measures must not be had recourse to without great caution.
n A Belief from pressing occupations, a nutritious diet, change of air, cold bathing, the preparations of iron and quinine, are the great means that must be looked to for the cure of the disordered states of the nervous system. When the painful symptoms arise from over-exertion of the muscles, as is often the COO, artificial support may be given with advantage to the particular muscles. Friction over the rat of and the application of stimulants, as turpentine, ammonia, and randy, in the form of embrocation with oil or glycerine, has been found very beneficial. Where the pain is very acute, or the muscular action excessive, sedatives, as opium, henbane, and belladonna, may be given internally and applied externally.
(Laycock On the Nervous Diseases of Women ; Benuett, The Principles and Practice of ,Modiein ; Inman, The Phenomena of Spinal Irrita tion.)