A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy. Alexander Bennett

capacities are not of necessity affected. In 74.4 per cent. the intelligence is recorded as not seriously impaired; and in 41.1 per cent. the memory as good. On the other hand, the mental faculties were markedly deficient in 25.5 per cent.; the patients were dull and slow in 31.1 per cent.; and in more than half, or 58.8 per cent., was there evidence of loss of memory. Another frequent symptom is repeated and constant headache, which, in the present series of cases, existed in 41.1 per cent.

2. – Epilepsia Mitior

      This occurred altogether in 38 per cent. of the total number of cases. In these it occurred —

      In all, the usual characteristics of the petit mal presented themselves; there being temporary loss of consciousness, sometimes with slight spasms, but without true convulsion, biting of the tongue, &c.

      Frequency of Attacks.– The rough average frequency of attacks, as estimated in the cases under consideration, was as follows: —

      Thus when epilepsia mitior exists, in the majority of cases the attacks are of daily occurrence.

      Loss of consciousness, as ascertained in a series of cases, was

      Premonitory Symptoms.– These are not, as a rule, so well marked in epilepsia mitior as in E. Gravior; but frequently the aura is quite as distinctly appreciated. In the 28 per cent. of cases in which E. Mitior is associated with E. Gravior, the aura was apparently the same in both. Of the 10 per cent. cases of E. Mitior occurring by itself, the following is the record: —

      The number of cases in E. Mitior is too limited to warrant further generalization.

      II.

      AN INQUIRY INTO THE ACTION OF THE BROMIDES ON EPILEPTIC ATTACKS.2

      Bromide of potassium is generally recognised as the most effective anti-epileptic remedy we at present possess. There exists, however, great difference of opinion as to its method of administration and to the amount of benefit which we may expect from its use. Some physicians who employ the drug after one method come to totally different conclusions as to its efficacy from those who use another. Many believe the remedy to be only useful in certain forms of the disease, and to be very uncertain and imperfect in its action. Others, again, maintain that it is positively injurious to the general health of the patient. These and other unsettled points the following inquiry attempts to make clear.