Kali Bromatum - General symptoms

GENERAL

General

Decidedly insane. had delusions that lewd women had got into his mother's house.

that he was pursued by the police.

that his life was threatened by members of the family.

that he had thousands of dollars in Aurum Metallicum ^gold sewed up in his clothing, etc.

his appearance and manner were very similar to those of a drunken man, except that his face was exceedingly pale.

his pulse, which was normally about 80, and fallen to 60.

skin cool. pupils contracted.

his manner was excited and rambling, and his hands constantly busy, either in fumbling in his pockets, tying his shoes, picking threads from his clothing, or in searching for the Aurum Metallicum ^gold which he believed was concealed in the lining of his coat.

his character also had undergone a radical change, from having been very frank and brave, he had become excessively timid, and suspicious of every trifling circumstance.

it was ascertained that he had secreted large quantities of the Bromide in various out of the way places about the house.

several times he attempted to throw himself from a window, and battered down a door with an axe, in order to escape from some imaginary danger.

he was removed to a lunatic asylum, where the symptoms gradually disappeared, and in a month he returned to his home well,.

He imagined that he had been especially singled out for divine vengeance, and he spent the greater part of the evening in loudly deploring his sad fate, falling suddenly asleep at intervals of a few minutes.

towards 12 o'clock he became quiet, and passed the rest of the night in a sound sleep (first day).

he was walking his room, groaning and wringing his hands.

he informed me that he had been accused of robbing a friend, and that the officers were in search of him (second day).

slept from about 6 P.M. till 5 A.M., when he was quiet, composed, and altogether in his right mind (third morning),.

She had the erroneous idea that she was deserted by all her friends, and as consequence she passed all her waking moments, which were not many, in tears.

another delusion, that her child was dead, had taken fixed possession of her mind.

she declared that she saw it dead before her, and when it was brought to her, she refused to acknowledge that it was hers, or had any resemblance to the one she imagined was dead (eighth day),.

Very soon she began to manifest symptoms of melancholy, attended with delusions.

she was taken to Long Branch, and while there continued to be insane.

she fancied that the boarders in the hotel insulted her, and imagined that the weekly bills of the landlord were evidences of a conspiracy which had been got up against her father.

on the way up from Long Branch to this city, while standing on the guards of the boat, she suddenly gave a loud shriek, and declared she had seen her brother fall overboard.

the administration of the Bromide was stopped, and in a few days her mind became sane, and has since remained so.

throughout the whole progress of this case, there was profound depression of spirits, and all her delusions were of a melancholy character,.

Depression of mind, during which he experienced the most gloomy ideas relative to his present and future condition, if an opinion could be formed from the signs of distress, such as weeping, moaning, and wringing his hands, which he continued to manifest.

two hours after this he fell asleep, and when he awoke eight hours afterwards was perfectly sane (fourth day),.

Enfeebling of mental power.

a little page in my accounts, which I should usually have prepared and balanced in half an hour, took me two or three evenings' work.

but the worst tendency was to talk "Mrs. Malaprop" English, substituting one word ending in "tion" for another in a most provoking and yet ludicrous way.

I had once to write some letters reminding people that their subscriptions were due, and I had the misfortune of having my letters (I think one or two of them) brought back to me by the clerk, who pointed out to me that I had written "contraction" or some such word instead of "subscription,".

*Loss of memory to such an extent that he forgot how to talk.

for instance, when asked why he took so large a dose, he was fully two minutes endeavoring to frame a reply, and was then obliged to give up the attempt with the remark, "I can't;" in fact, *there was well-marked amnesic aphasia, for there was no difficulty in co-ordinating the movement of the tongue so as to articulate distinctly any word he was told to pronounce (fourth day),.

In some individuals the memory is oddly affected.

*single words are forgotten, or one syllable is constantly dropped out of a work, whenever that word is spoken by the patient, or two words are invariably interchanged.

thus, a lady, twenty-eight or thirty years of age, suffering from chronic ovarian disease.

to whom I gave about 12 grains three times a day, making a continued daily dose of nearly 40 grains of the Bromide of potassium, began, after she had taken it two or three weeks, to exchange two words for each other.

she called a Fagopyrum ^buckwheat cake a comb, and a comb a Fagopyrum ^buckwheat cake.

at the hour of her morning toilet she would direct her maid to bring her a Fagopyrum ^buckwheat cake and arrange her hair.

at breakfast, if there were Fagopyrum ^buckwheat cakes on the table, she asked for a comb to eat.

once during the existence of this peculiarity, I undertook to convince her that she had transposed these words, and that a comb was a spoken sign of a comb and not of a cake.

the effort was unsuccessful.

she never transposed or confused the ideas of cake and comb, only the words or signs,.

On attempting to stand up, and especially to walk, there is a peculiar vertigo, characterized by a sensation of emptiness around one, and under one's feet, so that one is afraid to move.

it seems as if the ground gave way, and the sense of resistance was lost.

the gait is staggering, and at last walking becomes almost impossible, or, at least, one feels obliged to give it up (after one and two hours),.

The results of the smaller doses were not altogether uniform.

a certain degree of congestion appeared, however, to be produced. With half drachm and drachm doses, and once with a scruple dose, the disk and retina were congested even in ten minutes after administration and this state of congestion went on increasing, as long as examinations were made.

even after the lapse of several hours, the increased redness was still manifest.

the vascularity was found to be greater as the dose was increased. The exceptional phenomena were, in one case, a brighter redness of the vessels after ten grains. In another case, a hazy condition of the vessels was noted, after a scruple dose,.

According to Voisin, the local anaesthesia of the pharynx does not appear after a less dose than 30 grains.

it is not always produced by this dose.

but if two or three such doses are given several hours apart, there will be impaired sensibility of the pharynx for several hours after the last dose.

consequently, a continued daily dose of above half a drachm generally affects the sensibility of the pharynx in proportion to the amount taken above that quantity.

but only one part or kind of the sensibility of the pharyngeal mucous membrane is impaired or abolished. "We should distinguish," says a late writer, "two kinds of sensibility in the region of the veil of the palate, a functional sensibility and an ordinary sensibility.

the ordinary sensibility varies with different individuals.

but it is not the measure of the functional sensibility.

the latter varies but little.

this functional, sensibility is the same as the sensibility of the intestine.

and like the latter, it depends, according to M. Claude Bernard, upon a ganglion, the spheno-palatine.

it has its special mode of irritation, which is neither pricking nor burning, but the lightest contact.

if the touching even exceeds the physiological limit, vomiting is produced.

bromide causes this to disappear at once.

movements of deglutition remain intact in bromized individuals, and are not performed with less energy than previous to the treatment.

when, by titillation of the uvula, no effort of deglutition or vomiting is induced, it is apparent either that the pharynx and palate no longer conduct the tactile impression, or that this impression is no reflected.

as the reflex power of the cord has lost none of its energy, and there is no want of precision of movement, we must admit that the periphery alone is affected,".

The acidity of the urine was usually increased.

the coloring matters were invariably increased.

the urea was not affected.

the Acid Phos ^{phosphoric acid} varied.

by small doses it was increased.

the chlorides always and notably increased.

save when the bromide was acting as a poison.

this chloride leaving the body was chloride of potassium.

the figures of the three experiments were an average of 22.56 grammes of chloride of Argentum Metallicum ^silver in twenty-four hours on the days preceding the exhibition of Bromium ^bromine, and 24.29 on those days when that salt was taken. Analysis showed in some of these cases the amount of potash in the urine increased from (estimated as chloride) 2.5 to 12.80 grammes,.

Discharge of urine both frequent and more copious (eleventh day), also in the preceding night.

in the evening of the eleventh day about half a pint of urine passed every half hour for several hours.

the urine was pale of high specific gravity, loaded with what appeared to be phosphates, of which a cloud was passed with the urine.

the minute crystals could be plainly seen when held up to the light in a beaker-glass.

on standing for a few minutes the sediment filled one-quarter of the space occupied by the liquid.

heating the urine precipitated the phosphates in a white cloudy sediment.

addition of Nitric Acid ^{nitric acid} immediately dissolved it,.

GENERAL SYMPTOMS.

Objective.

An increase of destructive, without a corresponding increase of constructive metamorphosis, and consequent emaciation (after continued doses),

Diminishes the retrograde metamorphosis of tissue,

Diminution of mucous secretions generally,

The capillary circulation is materially affected, not only of the nervous centres, but of the whole system; this, however, is independent of the heart and large arteries,

Emaciation (after long-continued use),

General emaciation,

Considerable emaciation,

Great emaciation,

Very emaciated and weak, and of a peculiar pallid color,

Marasmus and emaciation, which endanger the life, may set in after too long-continued use,

Among the symptoms caused by the drug there are some which have escaped the notice of previous observers, but which, if not recognized, might lead to serious mistakes in diagnosis. I refer to cerebro-spinal affections _ characterized by general delirium, hallucinations, fancies, about being persecuted, violent actions, ataxia of the limbs and of the tongue, and impeded articulation _ which might be taken as indications of general paralysis. All these alarming symptoms disappear on leaving off the medicine,

Better than usual, less tired, with more ability and inclination to walk than previously (while taking the drug),

Sedation,

Averse to exercise; sits and lounges about,

Invariably sat crouched up by the fireside all day, evidently devoid of all energy and resolution,

Disinclined to talk, read, or study, to walk or work; quite indifferent to many objective annoyances that commonly irritated him; in fact, superlatively lazy, indifferent, and sleepy, yet by a strong effort of will able to converse, study, compose, walk, work, and fret as well as ever,

Languor of movements,

Great languor,

Unusually quiet, sitting languidly on a chair; he could not collect his thoughts to answer a question properly,

Lassitude (soon),

Weakness,

Weakness of the muscular system,

So extreme a degree of weakness that the medicine had to be stopped,

Great feebleness, physical and mental, after disappearance of the symptoms,

General debility,

Great muscular debility,

Considerable prostration, compelling him to lie down (after one hour),

Great bodily prostration,

Extreme general prostration,

Inability to walk or stand,

Inability to hold herself upright,

Unable to move or feel,

After a time he is obliged to keep his bed,

Extremely adynamic condition,

Lies quietly, unable to move, feel, swallow, or speak (after a toxic dose),

There is a class of phenomena dependent on the Bromium ^bromine _ cachexia, which must be accurately distinguished _ viz., those due to the adynamic character liable to be assumed by acute maladies which may attack an epileptic patient during the administration of the drug. Thus, a pneumonia, an enteritis, a rheumatic seizure, or a simple boil may be accompanied by such a debility of the vital powers as shall rapidly determine a fatal issue,

Fainting,

Muscular weakness becomes complete paralysis (after a toxic dose),

Remarkable degree of restlessness and fitfulness of motion, as a consequence of the giddiness or intoxication, the patients being sometimes unable to keep themselves on their feet,

Subjective.

Diminished nervous sensibility in general, and especially diminution of reflex sensibility,

Mental and physical lassitude, indisposition to effort, and indifference to all slight causes of nervous irritation.

the crying of children in the house, the rattling of carriages on the pavement, the irritation of worrying or anxious thoughts, all are disregarded.

the sweet carelessness of doing nothing, the Neapolitan's dolce far niente is almost realized.

this state is soon succeeded by drowsiness, and drowsiness by sleep (after 20 or 30 grains),.

During the whole period of the action, and even during its decline, there is experienced a profound dulness of tactile sensibility in all its forms, but especially in those which are concerned in reflex manifestations. Thus, tickling of the feet is scarcely felt, and no longer produces its usual effects.

cutaneous sensibility, when tested by pinching, is found to be diminished.

the perception of touch by the hand is so modified that prehensile movements are deprived of precision,.

Like all Potash Salts, this weakens the heart and lowers temperature. Brominism is caused by it. General failure of mental power, loss of memory, melancholia, anaesthesia of the mucous membranes, especially of eyes, throat, and skin; acne; loss of sexual desire, paralysis. Leading remedy in psoriasis. Nodular form of chronic gout. Symptoms of apoplectic attacks, uraemic or otherwise; somnolence and stertor, convulsions, aphasia, albuminuria. Epilepsy (with salt-free diet).

Slow onset

No pain General numbness; worse occiput

Depressive delusions Nervous

Suspicion; fears people, yet can't be alone, in the dark, etc

; looks on all sides; fidgety, busy hands, fumbles

Moves arms about wildly

Mania

Night terrors

Melancholy; remorse, wrings hands, bursts into tears, etc

Slow hesitates; omits or mixes up words

Indifference

Hebetude

Poor memory Brain-fag

Vertigo, as if ground gave way

Catarrh descends to larynx (Am-bro)

Cutting colic

Green, watery stool; with rapid collapse

Cholera infantum

Depressed sexual power

Flooding of young women

Croupy cough

Cool skin

Acne

Sleepy

Bromide of Potassium. Potassic Bromide. K. Br. Solution. Trituration.

Kali Bromatum ^{Kali bro}. has been proved, but the greater part of the pathogenesis is made up of symptoms observed in allopathic overdosings, to which are added symptoms cured in the practice of homoeopaths.

In old-school practice Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} has been given in epileptic and other convulsive affections rather with the idea of overwhelming disease than of curing it.

The effect has been in numberless cases to reduce or prevent the recurrence of tits at the expense of keeping the patient constantly under the influence of the drug and producing a state of mental hebetude or actual imbecility, "decreasing the excitability and power of the motor cells of the brain" (Alberton).

Along with this it has produced a great variety of skin eruptions.

At the same time, Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} has a decidedly specific relation to epilepsy and the epileptic state, and in its own cases will cure in the attenuations. Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} has a very profound action on the generative organs and the mental side of the generative sphere sensual, lascivious fancies.

satyriasis and nymphomania and finally impotence and wasting of the sexual organs.

The cases of epilepsy in which it is curative are chiefly those associated with sexual excess or abuse in men; and those in which the fits occur during or near the menstrual period in women.

The power of Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} over the sexual sphere is very great.

In my allopathic days I have often known a few grains of the salt given at bedtime permanently relieve youths who were troubled with erections and sexual excitement on going to bed.

It might have acted as well in the attenuations, but it could not have done better.

It is indicated also in cases of epilepsy occurring at the new moon; and when headache follows the fit.

In spasms from fright, anger, or emotional disturbances in nervous, plethoric persons; during parturition, dentition, whooping-cough, in Bright's disease.

One of the most troublesome "accidents" of the allopathic use of Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} is the production of eruptions of many kinds, but most notably acne.

Acne has a very definite relation to the sexual organs, being especially noticeable at puberty and, in women at the menstrual period.

I know of no remedy of such universal usefulness in cases of simple acne as Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} 30.

It has produced moist eruptions and pityriasis of the scalp.

The sebaceous follicles are particularly affected, which should give it a place in seborrhoea.

Erythema nodosum was observed in some patients under its influence.

The moral and intellectual faculties are greatly disordered.

The memory is lost forgets how to talk; aphasic, has to be told the word before he can speak it.

Depressed, melancholic; uncontrollable weeping. "Feel as if they would lose their minds." Restlessness and sleeplessness from worry.

Staggering gait; ataxia; numbness and tingling in legs and spine, with increase in sexual appetite. "Fidgety hands"; fingers must be playing with something; twitching of fingers; cannot sit still.

Night terrors in children from over excitability of brain; from worry; during dentition.

Cholera infantum with hydrocephalic symptoms.

Drowsiness is one of the notes of the drug "Drops asleep in his chair, and if aroused falls asleep again immediately." The deep sleep may be broken by a start, though waking is very difficult.

Confused dreams. Benumbed sensation of brain.

Reflexes are diminished, and there is general loss of general sensibility, and also of certain parts, particularly fauces, larynx, and urethra.

Kali Bromatum depressed state has another side to it in the curious restlessness and fidgetiness.

She first noticed a remarkably good appetite but after meals had heartburn and eructations.

Then there was polyuria and frequent disturbances at night to pass water.

Weak in the head, confused, memory impaired.

Vision almost gone. Rushing and roaring in ears.

Tormenting thirst. Stools difficult and delayed.

Powders medicated with Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} 2 were given, one every six hours.

The first night the patient slept without disturbance and the quantity of urine and proportion of sugar diminished.

After about six-weeks the improvement seemed to stop and Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} was given in allopathic doses, but this aggravated the condition. Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} 2 was resumed, and the case went on to a cure.

Hale cured with Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} many cases of cholera infantum, and one case of "violent periodic umbilical colic, leaving tenderness on pressure." The characteristic hour of recurrence is 5 p.m.

Another feature of the Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} action is in relation to new growths.

A number of cases of ovarian cyst have disappeared under its action, also fibroids and fatty tumours.

The acne-producing property of the drug shows its relation to sebaceous secretions, and it has removed sebaceous cysts and wens.

In connection with ovarian tumours or other affections, or independently, there may be uterine haemorrhage.

metrorrhagia or menorrhagia. It may arise from reflected irritation and may be accompanied with sexual excitement. But that is not necessarily the case. "Flooding, especially in young women," is Hering's indication. Burford has used it extensively in such cases and generally in attenuations approaching the crude. Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} is more particularly adapted to persons inclined to obesity.

to children. to nervous women. More symptoms have been noted on the right side than on the left. Among the remarkable sensations are "Parts feel as if growing large." "Paroxysms of numbness.

feels as if needles were pricking him." Trembling sensation. A marked periodicity appears in the symptoms (which itself relates the drug to epilepsy).

symptoms recur paroxysmally. Every 2, 3, or 24 hours. Twice a week.

fortnightly. at new moon. Urticaria in winter. Most symptoms are agg. at night. agg. 2 a.m. regularly. There is chilliness in a hot room.

and itching during high temperature. agg. In hot weather.

agg. in summer. Skin amel. in cold weather. Vertigo is agg. by stooping. Cough agg. lying down. The old-school contra-indications for the Bromides are General asthenia and feebleness of the nervous system.

senile softening of the brain.

and when the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane is irritated (Hare). These are keynotes for Kali Bromatum ^{K. bro.} in high attenuations.

Colic in young children.

walls of belly are retracted and hard, while intestines can be seen at one spot contracted into a hard lump, of size of a small orange, travelling from one part of intestines to another.

attacks frequent and excruciating, unconnected with diarrhoea or constipation, but often associated with an aphthous condition of mouth.

Constant diarrhoea and more or less tenesmus, and passage of much blood.

on making efforts to expel, protrusion of several elongated bodies resembling earthworms.

with this expulsion there was always a yellow, very fetid discharge.

faeces flattened. flatulent distension of bowels.

patient pale and sickly-looking (polypus of rectum).

Potassium Bromide.

*

Region

MIND

NERVES Brain Spine Genitals

Larynx

Skin