lgic
in character.

[266 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Symptoms.--The pain is usually very severe, especially on movement of the
intercostal (between the ribs) muscles. With this pain, as a rule, an
eruption (herpes) appears along the course of the affected nerve and this
is supposed to be due to the extension of the inflammation from the
nerve-ends to the skin. Pain, when pressed upon, is most marked near the
spinal vertebral, the breastbone (sternal) end and the middle part of the
nerve. The trouble may continue a long time after the eruption (herpes)
has disappeared, for it is very obstinate.

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Intercostal Neuralgia.--This consists in using
remedies that will cause counter-irritation. Electricity and pain
destroying (anodynes) remedies are indicated in chronic cases. Apply heat
for pain in the "breasts." For the eruption an ointment like oxide of zinc
can be used.

Local Treatment.--A mustard plaster is frequently good to use. It produces
the counter-irritation desired. Application of dry heat from hot cloths; a
hot sand bag may help in some cases. A rubber bag containing hot water can
also be used. Fomentations of hops, etc., applied hot and frequently
changed to keep them hot are beneficial in some cases. I have found in
some cases that an adhesive plaster put over the sore parts relieves the
severe pain. Porous plasters are also good. Tincture of ranunculus
bulbosus (buttercup) is a good remedy. Put ten drops in a glass half full
of water, and take two teaspoonfuls every hour.

[Illustration: Sciatic Nerve.]

SCIATICA.--This is as a rule a neuritis of the sciatic nerve or of its
cords of origin. It is characterized by pain chiefly along the course of
the sciatic nerve.

Causes.--It occurs most commonly in adult males. The person may have a
history of rheumatism or gout in many cases. Exposure to cold after heavy
muscular work or exertion, or a severe wetting are common causes. The
nerves in the pelvis may be compressed by large tumors of the ovaries or
womb, by other tumors, or by the child's head during confinement.
Occasionally hip joint disease causes it. The nerve, as a rule, is
swollen, reddened, and in a condition of "interstitial neuritis." The pain
may be most severe where the nerves emerge from the hip bone, behind, or
in the inner back, and middle part of the thigh.

NERVOUS SYSTEM 267

Symptoms.--Pain is the most constant and troublesome. It is sometimes very
sever