Convulsions.

• If the cause is vascular excitement we think of gelsemium and veratrum v., and perhaps pilocarpine.
• If due to impaired circulation, and there is a condition of atony we think of chloroform, lobelia, bromide of ammonium and perhaps jaborandi.
• If due to congestion, we think of belladonna, bromide of ammonium and sometimes ergot. There are some local causes, removal of which will relieve convulsions. This should never be lost sight of.
• If from irritation of the stomach, through green fruit, fats or other indigestible food or overeating, an emetic is our first resort, although in some cases a prompt cathartic acts well.
• If worms are the cause we should remove the cause after fully controlling convulsions at the time.
• If from uterine or ovarian trouble try and remove the cause.
• If from sympathetic irritation of the solar plexus nux vomica will serve a good purpose.
• If the kidneys are at fault we must try and find the cause and remove it if possible.
• If in a child, we find that teething is the immediate cause see if the gums are swollen and look congested. If so an incision made over the tooth will often relieve.
• From this we learn that if the cause can be recognized and removed convulsions are controlled.

The Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics, 1905, was written by Fred J. Petersen, M.D.