THE NEW DISEASE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 217, 7 June 1919, Page 6

THE NEW DISEASE

TREATMENT OF LETHARGIC, ENCEPHALITIS. A bulletin has been issued by the Public Health Department dealing .with tho disease known as lethargic encephalitis, and containing an extract from the Brit, ish "Public Health Reports" of February 21, 1919, describing the symptoms of the malady as noted in Europe, and the method of treatment. "With regard to treatment," it is stated, "no specific method has been devised, and the best that :can be done' is to put the patient to bed and provide him. with good nursing; cold sponging is often beneficial during, the pyrexia! period, and'tends to diminish the delirium." In niau.Y instances transient or permanent relief, with diminution of stupor, followed the' withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid by lumbar puncture, especially when the fluid wa3 under pressure. For the paiu, numbness, and tingling of the limbs warmth is the best remedy, and . 'the bedclothes should be raised 011 frame 3. Constipation is obstinate and often difficult to overcome, except by enemat.i, followed by such drugs as liquid paraffin or phcnolphthaloin. No hypnotics and no morphine or other preparation of opium should be given, and the administration of mine in large and repeated doses is deprecated.' Daily of the mouth, and antiseptic complications systematically looked for, Finally, the patient should be given (o understand that his convalescence will last lor at least six months after the beginning of the ik-l ness. ■ " I