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Shell-shock and other neuropsychiatric problems

Chapter 576: Case 543. (Hurst, March, 1917.)
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About This Book

The work assembles nearly six hundred clinical case histories drawn from wartime medical literature to document combat-related neuropsychiatric disorders. It presents concise case protocols illustrating varied symptom patterns, diagnostic dilemmas, malingering and simulation, therapeutic interventions, and treatment outcomes, and includes bibliographic references and introductory commentary. Sections juxtapose cases to illuminate contested diagnoses and to inform postwar rehabilitation and mental-hygiene efforts, aiming to provide clinicians and reconstruction workers with detailed clinical material for recognizing, classifying, and managing neuropsychiatric consequences of war.

Shell-shock, unconsciousness: Convulsions (recollection of childhood convulsions): Cure by hypnosis.

Case 543. (Hurst, March, 1917.)

A New Zealander was rendered unconscious for a few minutes following concussion from a high explosive shell. Convulsions developed, occurring at least once and often several times a day.

As to the origin of these convulsions, it appeared that the soldier had had a few convulsions after falling on his head at the age of 8. According to Hurst, recollection of these childhood convulsions probably led by a process of autosuggestion to the Shell-shock convulsions.

Captain Crabtree hypnotized the man, suggesting recovery. The fits immediately ceased and did not recur.