The morning call., 1893-02-19
The LARGEST RETAIL DRY-G00DS FIRM
ON THE PACIFIC COAST.
MEGRiM.
A Form of Sick Headache Caused by
Eye Strain.

A Form OF Sick Headache Caused by
Eye Strain.
Philadelphia Record.
This distressing condition of pain in the
head is most invariably confined to one
side of the head and is distinctly localized
in the frontal above the eyes,, temporal
or Occipital above the nape of the
neck region. There is perhaps nc
form of pain more frequently en-
counrered by the physician in his
round Of labor 1t is an affection common
in all climes, and neither height. depth nor
atmospheric conditions confer immunity
from the attack to those who are predis-
posed TO it, The fresh, cool fragrance upon
the mountain top, the peaceful hush IN the
valley and the foam of the mad sea offer
life giving and renewing properties suf-
fcient 10 calm the most painful throes, but
megrim never yields nor is held back by
such as these.
1t is hereditary. It commonly shows it.
self before the thlrtieth year of age and
subsidies in later life. Digestive disturb
ances were commonly supposed TO be the
causes which excited the attack. So, too,
nervous exhaustion aud nervous irritation
were believed TO be active factors in
preciptatng an attack. The best med
zeal authorities now say the chiefest
and most frequent cause OF megTim is
an abnormal condition OF the eye or its an
pendageS There is no reason why muscle
or muscles of the eye should not become
tagged out just as the muscles lsewhere do.
Let one bear weight all day long. does he
not attribute his consequent backache to the
heavy burden he has borne? 1t seems
without elaborate thinking we could con-
ceive OF the results following upon pro-
longed use of the eye. Nature has done
all she could to protect and prOlong the use
fulneSs of the eye. No earthly architect
ever vet planned structure that would
not yield, crumble and fall, ard the house
human, so eXquStely uplified In curious
and mysterious ways, falls and re-
turns to dust more rapidly and surely
than need be, for the reason that
we do not realize how much one part is
sustained or overthrown by another.
One tiny muscle is potent enodgh TO
disturb the whole economy, especially IL
intercurrent diseases exist IN addition 10
"eye strain" The symptoms Of attacks +
sick headache are always par0Xysmal and
peculiarly explosive In character, Indleat-
ing the approach of trouble. Uponaw
ing in tho morning ones head feels heavy
and sense of extreme languor is present.
with decided aversion 10 etfort-eyen
to eat. Sudden movements OF the head
or body are followed by pains III
the head. STOPPING causes very unpleas-
ant sensations makes the head swim,
as a poor sufferer describes 1t. As the day
advances a pain Of very decided character
is felt in the head, and as the day wears on
absolute rest, quiet and darkness become
imperative. The pain becomes more and
more intense until the patient begins TO
vomit. This often closes the attack. and
heavy sleep follows; generally several tits
OF vomiting are experienced, accompanied
by retching. sweating, pallor and great
physical exhaustion. Megrim is usually
relieved in twenty-four hours, although 1t
may last two or three days.
For treatment during the premonitory
stage it is best to take an emetlc or good
purge Warm water with little mustard
added (half teaspoonfu 20 glass lukewarm
water makes an excellent emetc and
tablespoonful castor oil al admirable purge.
Often copous draughtS of very hot water
will cut short an attack. Ii the pain be-
come intolerabe, dimensions of the entire
body in a very hot bath will nearly always
give relief Alter the bath put the
patient to bed in a darkened room,
shut out all noises and place bag partly
filled with hot water at the back OF the
neck Usually one will need 10 further
treatment to induce sleep. In the Intervals
between attacks benefit may be derived
from out-of-door exercises. tonnes, regui ar
and mild diet and attention to the bowels
But until the eyestrain is removed no last
ing freedom from paroxsyms Is to be hoped
for. Eve strain is indeed serious thlng.
when it alone is responsible for even one Ill
like this one.