A collection of cases of apoplexy : with an explanatory introduction / by Edward Copeman.

  • Copeman Edward, 1809-1880.
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A collection of cases of apoplexy : with an explanatory introduction / by Edward Copeman. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    teracted, by the greater thinness of the blood, and its di- minished tendency to coagulate, induced by large bleedings? In the next place, let us consider what are the objections to the practice; the greatest is its abuse, it being used indiscri- minately in almost every case of apoplexy, without reference to the great variety of diseased conditions upon which the apoplectic symptoms depend. I have stated my opinion as to its questionable utility in cases where extravasation has already taken place, and should certainly never advise it in such cases, until the system has somewhat rallied from the immediate shock of the attack; before this, it seems to me impossible to derive any benefit from it; and should circumstances after- wards arise which seem to demand it, less harm, or perhaps some good, may follow from its employment. But how can bleeding be beneficial in cases arising from causes which depress and weaken the system ? and yet we see it practised in such, to quite as great an extent as in those in which plethora exists ; a reference to many of the following cases will show this ; and what can possibly be expected but death, where bleeding is repeated time after time until the powers of life are so exhausted, that in order to prevent immediate dissolu- tion, brandy and other stimulants are required? Would not a healthy man be prostrated under such a regimen, and how much more one who has received a violent shock from disease? Similar in absurdity is the practice, even now some- times resorted to, of drawing away the life-blood from persons in a state of collapse from the shock of a severe accident. Another objection to bleeding is the fact, that it is of itself capable of producing both paralysis and apoplexy. Many instances will be found in the following cases, in which ab- straction of blood was immediately followed by an aggravation of symptoms, and by paralysis; and it has been no rare occur- rence for persons who have, either accidentally or by intent, wounded a large vessel and lost much blood, to be seized with coma or paralysis* Indeed it has been stated that loss of * “An alarming accident befel Sir W. Geary, at Oxenheath, Maidstone.