aoo

OF iHL APOPLEXY.

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should be tied pretty tight, by which means the motion of the bloodfrom the lower extremities will be retarded. As soon as the patient isplaced in a proper posture, he shouH be bled freely in the neck or arm,and, if there be occasion, the operation may be repeated in two or threehours. A laxative clyster, with plenty of sweet oil or fresh butter,and a spoonful or two of common salt in it, may be administered everytwo hours; and blistering-plasters applied between the shoulders, and tothe calves of the legs.

As soon as the symptoms are a little abated, and the patient is able toswallow, he ought to drink freely of some diluting opening liquor, as adecoction of tamarinds and liquorice, cream-tartar-whey, or commonwhey with cream of tartar dissolved in it. Or he may take any coolingpurge, as vitriolated natron (Glauber's salt), manna dissolved in an in-fusion of senna, or the like. All spirits and other strong liquors are tobe avoided. Even volatile salts held to the nose do mischief. Vomits,for the same reason, ought not to be given, or any thing that may in-crease the motion of the blood towards the. head. In this species ofapoplexy we prescribe a vegetable regimen.

In the serous apoplexy, the symptoms are nearly the same, only thepulse is not so strong, the countenance is less florid, and the breathingless difficult. Bleeding is not so necessary here as in the former case.It may generally be performed once with safety and advantage, bushould not be repeated. The patient should be placed in the same pos-ture as directed above, and should have blistering-plasters applied, andreceive opening clysters in the same manner. Purges are here likewisenecessary, and the patient may drink strong balm-tea. If he be inclinedto sweat, it ought to be promoted by drinking small wine-whey, or aninfusion of cardus benedictus. A plentiful sweat kept up for a con-siderable time has often carried off a serous apoplexy.

When apoplectic symptoms proceed from opium or other narcoticsubstances taken into the stomach, vomits are necessary. The patienis generally relieved as soon as he has discharged the poison in this way:as soon as the emetic has operated, we think it advisable for the patientto take copious draughts of lemonade, or of white-wine vinegar dilutedwith water.

Persons of an apoplectic make, or those who have been attacked byit, ought to use a very spare and slende-r diet, avoiding all strong liquors,spiceries, and high-seasoned food. They ought likewise to guard againstall violent passions, and to avoid the extremes of heat and cold. Thehead should be shaved, and daily washed with cold water. The feetought to be kept warm, and never suffered to continue long wet. Thebody must be kept open either by food or medicine, and a little bloodmay be let every spring and fall. Exercise should by no means be neg-lected ; but it ought to be taken in moderation. Nothing has a morehappy effect in preventing an apoplexy than perpetual issues or setons:jrreat care however must be taken not to suffer them to dry up, withoutopening others in their stead. Apoplectic persons ought never to go torest with a full stomach, or to lie with their heads low, or wear any thingtiftht about their necks.