he trunk escaping, or part of one limb. Various
spots of want of sensation (feeling) may exist. The skin of the affected
side is frequently pale and cool and a pin prick may not cause bleeding.
In some cases they feel the touch of the hand, but there is no feeling
from heat. There may also be oversensitiveness to pain and of the skin. It
may be one-sided or both, or only in spots. The left ovarian region is a
common sensitive point; also over the breasts, lower positions of the
ribs, on top of the head and over many portions of the backbone. Pain in
the head is a very common and distressing symptom, and is usually on the
top. Pain in the back is common. Abdominal pains may be very severe and
the abdomen may be so tender as to be mistaken for peritonitis. Various
parts of the body may have neuralgic pains. There may be intense pain
around the heart. There may be complete blindness, the taste and smell may
be disturbed or complete loss of hearing. Third--Paralysis is frequently
present. It may be one-sided or only of the lower extremities, or only one
limb. The face is usually not involved when it is on one side. The leg is
more affected than the arm. Sensation is lessened or lost on the affected
side. Paralysis of the lower extremities is more frequent than one-sided
paralysis. The power in the limbs hardly ever is entirely lost; the legs
may usually be moved, but the legs give way if the patient tries to stand.
The affected muscles do not waste. The feet are usually extended and turn
inward. Sudden loss of voice occurs in many cases. The paralysis is
generally paroxysmal, and is frequently associated with contractures,
shortening of the muscle. The contractures may come on suddenly or slowly,
and may last minutes, hours, or months, and some cases even years.
Movements of the hands, arms, etc., like the motions in chorea are often
seen in the young. A trembling (tremor) is sometimes seen in these
patients. It most commonly involves the hands and arms, more rarely the
head and legs. These movements are small and quick. Fourth--Swallowing may
be difficult on account of spasms of the muscles of the pharynx. The
larynx may be involved and interfere with respiration. Indigestion in some
form is often present. The stomach and bowels may be very much bloated
with gas. There may be a "phantom tumor" in the intestine (bowel).
Constipation may be very obstinate, vomiting may be present and persistent
and hiccough present. The action