Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-04-27
Health Talks, by Dr.. VIM. Brady
tcopyrirht. 1916. National Newspaper servicsb
Nothing New About Neuritis.

1t viii be dreadful blow to great many
misguided Commands to learn that there is no
equal disappointment to a number of victims
Of referred or toxemic pains to discover that
probably satisfaction in the notion that
when YOU feel the pressure OF that gas You
have Eastrtis even II your stomach is doing
AS we'll as could be expected for an ovcrworked
organ.
nerves When you have it you have it for months
on end. not just occasional twinges or attacks
in spare moments. The only way doctor
determine whether neurltis Is present is by the
signs he notes on examination. The pain COM
The signs upon which the diagnosis of neurlts
depends are: CD marked weakness partial
nerve: t2) atrophy or wasting of those muscles
In the course OF few weeks; t3) atrophy OF
becomes thin. shiny, blue and slow TO heal when
blistercd or irritated 90 characteristic change
In the reaction Of the affected muscles TO the
upon the affected nerve by the finger of the
examiner: and 90 prolonged duration Of the
pain. which is worse ut times, hut, nevertheless.
constant over period of many weeks.
Causes Of neuritis are injury by pressure
blows: involvement Of the affected nerve by
septic or infammatory process In Its vicinity:
damage of the nerve by po.sons circulating in
the blood-such lead. arsenic. alcohol and
poisons developed in the intestine in OF
auto -intoxication; an Infection OF the nerve
neglected septic focus about the teeth. tonas
elsewhere.
In the way Of treatment. the first principle
is absolute rest, meaning plaster cast spl,nt
of the affected part, bed for the
patient for period OF several weeks. The par
ticular should be determined at
tackled. Heat is always grateful No particular
drug ia helpful. though medicines prescribed o
the individual Indications give great
deal OF relief After the acute stage has passed.
masHage. passive manipulations Of the joints
TO prevent contracture and stiffness. and cleo
trcity usually beneficial
Questions md Answers.
Embarrassing Encomiums Il congratulate
you upon the great work you doing To
me. the ideal life is educating and eleva,inE the
this. instead OF striving to make a mystery Of
their profession. there would be less ignorance
and better health in general. Yours gratefully
d. r. A.
Answor-Very embarrassing. Difficulty Ia
that It ia all wrong, all wrong. I never know
tho day when the profession may rise up try
for unprofessional conduct. and expe me
from m embership In the scientific societies The
only difference between this department and
salary for doing this work. Whereas. not one
patient In thousand Is willing to pay or is
able pay family doctor for answering all
OF questions and giving general instruc-
tons hygiene and health For all you know
the most helpful suggestion you have received
from may be mere stolen idea. and Your
own family doctor may have contributed the
medical Journal whence I have distracted Il
for our here. No. my friend. IL isn't the
fault Of the profession that there Is 80 much
mystery you call 1t: the fault ts smDIv
that the public generally speaking, is unwilling
TO pay a doctor for advice in proportion TO tho
fees t gladly pays lawyer for keeping il out
OF trouble.