Harry C. Solomon

A polygraphic study of one case of petit mal epilepsy: effects of medication and menstruation.

Abstract EEG-polygraphic studies in one epileptic patient revealed: 1. 1. Frequency of petit mal EEG discharges varied as follows: when the patient was irregular in her medication, petit mal bursts were far more frequent than when she was regular in medication. When the patient was menstruating, although taking medication regularly, the cortical rhythms were quite unstable, even more unstable than under conditions of irregular medication. 2. 2. Some, but not all cortical discharges were accompanied by respiratory irregulatories. No irregularities in EKG, skin conductance, skin temperature, or muscle potentials were noted concomitantly with EEG discharges. Like the petit mal discharges, respiratory changes were less frequent under conditions of regular medication than under conditions of irregular medication or mestruation. 3. 3. Overbreathing in this patient was successful in eliciting more petit mal discharges and in producing an increase in sympathetic tension, i.e. increase in pulse rate, decrease in skin temperature, and to some extent, increase in sweating.

Effect of flickering light on epileptic discharges: influence of medication and menstruation

1. 1. These studies confirm our previous report on this patient that high intensity flickering light was more effective in producing cortical electrical discharges of the petit mal variety than low intensity flickering light. 2. 2. The effectiveness of high intensity flickering light in eliciting petit mal discharges was equal to, or greater than, hyperventilation. 3. 3. The time interval between volleys of flickering light was an important factor in the brains response to light stimulation. Volleys given at brief intervals were less effective in eliciting cortical discharges than volleys given at longer intervals. 4. 4. Cortical discharges were always less frequent under regular medication than under irregular medication or menstruation. This was true at rest, in response to high intensity flickering light, low intensity flickering light, intermittent light volleys, and hyperventilation.Abstract 1. 1. These studies confirm our previous report on this patient that high intensity flickering light was more effective in producing cortical electrical discharges of the petit mal variety than low intensity flickering light. 2. 2. The effectiveness of high intensity flickering light in eliciting petit mal discharges was equal to, or greater than, hyperventilation. 3. 3. The time interval between volleys of flickering light was an important factor in the brains response to light stimulation. Volleys given at brief intervals were less effective in eliciting cortical discharges than volleys given at longer intervals. 4. 4. Cortical discharges were always less frequent under regular medication than under irregular medication or menstruation. This was true at rest, in response to high intensity flickering light, low intensity flickering light, intermittent light volleys, and hyperventilation.

Treatment results in the major psychoses; report of the Boston Psychopathic Hospital.

THE long-accepted view that persons attacked by psychosis are doomed to life-long custodial care is seriously challenged by present-day experience. The somatic therapies have revived hope for the u...

Value of Electric-Shock Treatment on Outpatients

A SURVEY of outpatient electric-shock treatment at the Southard Clinic of the Boston Psychopathic Hospital for two years (November, 1949, through October, 1951) is presented to evaluate the worth o...

Agitated depression associated with arteriovenous aneurysm of left frontal lobe; recovery after unilateral frontal lobectomy.

IN THE case reported below, a patient with agitated depression showed remarkable improvement after unilateral left prefrontal lobectomy for massive arteriovenous aneurysm. Not only was the combinat...