Hysterical paraplegia of gradual development: recovery only under repeated hypnosis.
Case 536. (Nonne, December, 1915.)
A volunteer, of nervous parents, had for four years suffered from attacks of uncertain (hysterical or epileptic) nature. These attacks came on again after strenuous marching in the campaign in Belgium and France. Released from service at the front and detailed for guide duty, he proved unsuitable for this work, too, and was sent back to a hospital at home. Here there gradually developed a paralysis of the lower extremities. Treatment proved ineffective.
At the end of January, 1915, he came to Nonne’s wards at Eppendorf with a paralysis that had lasted six months. There was a total paraplegia inferior, with anesthesia for all sensation from the knees downward. The lower legs and feet were cyanotic and cold. The tendon and skin reflexes were lively. There was a moderate contraction of the visual fields on both sides.
Under hypnosis, the patient proved able to move both joints somewhat, but very weakly and slowly. The patient was hypnotized daily for a week, and made slow progress. Only after another week did it prove possible to get him to stand. After four weeks, his gait had so improved as to look like that of a tired old man. Three weeks more of treatment permitted the patient to walk, run and hop normally. Repeated waking suggestion had failed to accomplish anything in this case. The improvement followed only hypnosis. It seems to be a general principle that in cases of gradual development, the recovery by hypnosis will also be gradual.
Re repeated hypnosis for cases of gradual development, see remarks under the preceding case (535).