The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-01

Some of the Causes Of This Malady
and It's Treatment.
Ladies' World.

Ladies World.
OF all ailments to which mankind is heir
none is more universal than neuralgia. AS
its name implies, the disorder is of purely
nervous origin. though its exact nature is
obscure; for it is of every possible degree
and character, and may attack any part OF
the body where there are nerves, though IT
occurs most frequently in the face, its seat
being the trifacial nerves.
The cause OF neuralgia are various. 1t is
quite certain that many of the most intract-
able cases are derived from HEREDITARY
causes. The pain may be excited by a tu-
NOR pressing on the nerve; or by the rough
ness of bony surface, with which the
nerve comes in contact; or IL may be caused
by morbid state of the spinal cord. Some
times irritation applied to one branch of a
nerve VIII give rise to pain at the extremity
of another branch of the same nerve. Per-
sons suffering from general debility or those
of a rheumatic equity constitution are
especially liable to neuralgia.
The exciting causes of the disorder are
particularly damp and cold weather, a cold
east wind, direct currents of cold air, ex-
posture to malarial influences, great fatigue
either of body or mind. exciting emotions,
and the abuse Of Stimulants.
The paroxysms usually occur periodically,
though not always. Sometimes the interval
is but a few seconds; again day or even
longer time may intervene.
The resources of materia medica have
been exhausted in the search for a positive
cure for this frightful disease, but with
little success. The treatment necessarily
p
citing causes which have brought ON the
attack. When the pain is periodical sui
phate OF Quinine administered in doses Of
from ten TO twenty grains will sometimes
effect a cure. Severe facial neuralgia re-
sulting from the presence of acid in the
stomach has been Immediately relieved by
taking carbonate of soda dissolved in wa
ter. Often the trouble owes its origin to
the presence of irritation in some part of
the intestines, and an active purgative will
produce the desired effect. Facial neuralgia
10 off nor hu he fra
tion of canine tooth. Iron is highly rec
commended for all cases where the existing
cause is not evident and there is no iniiam-
nation. valuable and safe tonic for
strengthening the nerves is made UP of
quinine and opium-two grains of qunine
to an eighth or fourth of a grain OF Opt
unl-once or twice a day, required.
When the pain is the result of constitu-
tional disorders, local applications can be of
no permanent service, though valuable
agents for anording temporary relief. The
most effective local applications are laud-
anum. tincture OF aconite. chloroform, and
a belladona plaster.
Hot lamentations at night and cold bath
in the morning followed by friction often
produces most beneficial effect I'm this dis
ease. When the patient can stand the shock,
the shower bath will be found a valuable
spine, particularly If there is any tender
ness In that region, will be found equally
as effective.
Often the pain is so great sedatives or
be administered. These should only be given
when all other means fail. AT best they can
only afford temporary relief, and often Gre
ate habit which is much worse than the
disease itself Alcoholic stimulants should
never be ind ,ged in for neuralgia; they
may, for the time being, soothe. but they
have a tendency to greatly aggravate the
disease
One oe the most useful means of overcom-
ing the complaints permanently is exercise
(short of fatigue) I'm the open air. BY this
the nervous system becomes gradually
toned up. Strict attention must be paid to
the diet. the bowels kept open, and the
skin kept clean. Excuses of all kinds.
whether physical or mental, are prominent
factors I'm exciting the disease, so those
liable to 1t must modify their habits ac-
cordingly. Being a purely nervous trouble,
when other remedies fail. 1T may sometimes
be influenced by employing any means CAL
culated to make a strong impression on
the mind Of the patient, and cure thus eff
cd