An introduction to diseases of the nervous system / [Herbert Campbell Thomson].

  • Thomson, H. Campbell (Herbert Campbell), 1870-1940
Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introduction to diseases of the nervous system / [Herbert Campbell Thomson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    35 to lift up his arm, and the muscle can at once be seen and felt to contract. The method of observing the contractions which take place on electrical stimulation is also very valuable, and was the one used by Duchenne in his classical researches. The contractions of some muscles of the body owing to their positions are very difficult to observe by natural movements, and the electrical method is especially useful in the observation of these. It is also valuable in testing slight differences of reaction between two muscles, and also in showing whether a few fibres of a muscle still remain intact long after the power to perform its natural movements has been lost. Therefore in clinical work the fullest information will be gained by a combination of the natural and electrical method.* Methods of examining Muscles. The chief points to be investigated in any case of suspected muscular paresis are : Power. Tone and nutrition. Co-ordination. Electrical reaction. The power of any given muscle can be roughly tested by making the muscle contract against resistance and estimating whether it is contracting as strongly as it should. Where only one limb is affected a comparison is easily made with the healthy side, and even when both sides are * Many of the discrepancies which have arisen concerning the action of muscles are probably due to the employment of different methods. The matter has been carefully investigated by Dr. C. E. Beevor, who states that ‘ it does not follow because a muscle, when 3—2