Lectures on nervous diseases from the standpoint of cerebral and spinal localization, and the later methods employed in the diagnosis and treatment of these affections . 33 514 LECTURES ON NERVOUS DISEASES. CATALEPSY. Catalepsy can be classed as a condition closely allied to is a functional neurosis, with no recognized pathology. It is char-acterized by attacks of partial or corni)lete loss of consciousness, whichare accompanied by a peculiar rigidity of the muscles. During theseattacks, the limbs remain in any position in which they chance to be atthe onset, unless they are passiv
Lectures on nervous diseases from the standpoint of cerebral and spinal localization, and the later methods employed in the diagnosis and treatment of these affections . 33 514 LECTURES ON NERVOUS DISEASES. CATALEPSY. Catalepsy can be classed as a condition closely allied to is a functional neurosis, with no recognized pathology. It is char-acterized by attacks of partial or corni)lete loss of consciousness, whichare accompanied by a peculiar rigidity of the muscles. During theseattacks, the limbs remain in any position in which they chance to be atthe onset, unless they are passively moved into some other position byoutside influence or until the limb falls from exhaustion of the muscles. Although the muscles appear tense and unyielding, a slight amountof force suffices to came them to yield and to assume any posture whichan investigator may desire. They will then remain fixed until the atti-tude is again changed in the same manner. This state of the muscularsystem has been termed ? waxy flexibility. These attacks usually begin suddenly, but tliey are frequently pre-ceded by prodromal symptoms, as, for example, by yawning, eructations,. Fig. 125.—Case of Catalepsy, exhibiting the Prolonged Maintenance of anArtificially Induced Attitltde. (From an original sketch.) a sense of pressure in the head, palpitation of the heart, vertigo, achange in the disposition, etc. When the attack develops, the patient is suddenly renderedincapable of altering the position in which he or she may be at tliemoment. The eyes are either open or closed. The patient may occasion-ally understand questions and yet be unable to respond or move. Thefeatures are immobile, and the whole body remains as if suddenly petrified. Sometimes one limb is affected at first, but the rigidity soon extendsOAer tlie entire bod}. The respiration is often slower than hearts action is regular. The power of swallowing is sensibilit}^ of the skin is greath diminished or abso
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