Electro-physiology and electro-therapeutics : showing the best methods for the medical uses of electricity / By Alfred C. Garratt.
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vicarious origin whatever, then can Faradaic or Galvanic elec- tricity have a truly curative effect, and that by changing and thus permanently restoring the nervo-electric polarity of the deranged nerves. (See pp. 380, 475, and Appendix D, E, G.) The excruciating pains of neuralgia are easily distinguished from those of rheumatism, mainly by the former following the course of the nerves, or from their being fixed at the point of exit of a large nerve trunk from the bones, as the facial, tri- facial, and sciatic nerves are examples. Some neuralgias, we have said, are evidently complicated with rheumatism; and they must receive a modified treatment, according as either of these characteristics predominates. The most grave and indeed fre- quent form of this is the sciatic neuralgic rheumatism; and these attacks are often occasioned by inter-pelvic causes, as well as from exposure to cold or damp immediately after fatigue. With an eye, then, on the origin of the affection, shape the plan for eradicating it; if this is not possible, then aim for toning it down to some more bearable kind or degree. For these, as, indeed, for all cases of neuralgia, choose the largest sized and softest sponge electrodes ; place one — the posi- tive pole, for example — over the exit of the sciatic nerve; i. e., just back of the most prominent bone on the outside of the hip and thigh, which is the trochanter major, in the hollow between it and the ischium bone, which spot is easily found from its being the seat of exquisite tenderness or pain ; while the other sponge elec- trode is firmly applied on the terminal twigs, along down the foot, and there retained with a steady down-running (direct) current of electro-magnetism, or galvanism, of bearable strength, for one minute; then very carefully remove, or glide along the positive electrode some six inches down the limb for a half minute more, and then again, and again, in such short stages, until arriving at the ankle; in all some five or six min- utes. Tbe electrodes must be applied with the greatest possible gentleness, and removed equally so. Care must be taken not to touch the limb with any kind of shock, or reversed current, not even for an instant. The electrodes may be applied, skating along down the limb first one, every minute, and then the other,