The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-07-07
Coup de SoIieI or Sun Stroke,

A correspondent of the New York
Times, gives a few precautionary hints
upon this subject, which are important.
He says, Coupde Soliel is caused by the d.
rect action of the suns rays upon the head,
producing severe congestion of the brain,
or efusions of blood in and over its sub
stance. The patient, when attacked, falls
or drops suddenly, deprived of sense and
motion, and frequently dies on the spot.
Sometimes, however, reaction takes place,
ending in inflammation of the brain. All
persons exposed to the influences of the
sun IL hot weather, are, of course, liable
to ali attack Of coup de Soljgl But from
a variety of circumstances, both in rela-
tion to the constitutional habits ofindiyid-
uals and extraneous influences, some peo-
pie are more liable to it than others The
principal predisposing causes, or circum-
stances which predispose to this affection,
lie in that peculiar conformation of the
body, consisting in large head, full face,
forid complexion, short: thick neck, broad
shoulders, ample chest, globular abdo-
men, short stature, inclined to plethora,
and obesity, Such individuals are often
subject to bleeding from the nose, and to
sensations, of weight and fullness in the
head, particularly when, or after STOPPING
or making unusual body exertion. When
in bed they find it necessary to have their
heads elevated, as when low they arc
restless; and their breathing more difficult.
Individuals of this description, whose yo-
cations expose them to the sun, should
most assuredly change their business in
summer to indoor work.
The symptoms of its approach differ
somewhat. In some cases its attack is
very sudden, with slight indications, if
any, of its approach; though as a gener-
al thing, vertigo, or dizziness, ringing in
the ears, dimness of sight, pain and heav-
mess in the head, are the precursors of an
attack of coup de SOliei, and of apoplexy.
Persons experiencing these symptoms, or
their approach, should Immediately quit
work and ride home; and by making as
soon as they can, free use of cold applica-
tons to the head, will, in all probability,
recover. The treatment of coup de Sol5eL
should be prompt and simple. Cold wa
ter, in affections of this kind, possesses
surprising efficacy; though much depends
upon its sudden, as well as upon its time
ly application.
Therefore, while some one gees for a
Skllful physician, put into immediate prac-
tlce the following directions; and in all
probability, the life of the patient will be
saved, viz Place the patient in a e6oi
and airy situation, with his head and
shoulders elevated, and while some one is
removing his cravat, unbuttoning his shirt
collar, and removing, or loosening what
ever else that may be tight about his per-
son, dash suddenly cold water on the
head, This may be done with pitcher,
or any suitable vessel, held at some little
distance above the head, pouring out up
on it large and steady stream.
Mustard plasters may also be used o.
yer the upper part of the feet, and on the
wrists But continue the water, and the
patient must be saved 1t is hardly pos
sible to speak too highly of the beneficial
influences of cold water in the treatment
ofcOup de sotteI. Many violent cases of this.
and also of apoplexy, have been most sue
cured by it. As to after treat
ment, the attending physician viii advise
pm that subject.