–After injuries or operations an affection of the nervous centres is apt to supervene, resulting in throwing all the muscles of the body into a state of rigid contraction. The first symptoms of this disease are usually seen in the muscles of the face and jaws, causing tight closing of the latter, so that the patient is unable to open his mouth.
This is always a condition of great danger, and should be at once reported to the attending physician or surgeon. The active cause of the disease has been traced to poisoning by a specific bacillus. The same condition may be caused by poisoning with strychnine and the drugs containing it.
General Treatment.–The wound should be looked to, cleansed thoroughly, and washed with Calendula lotion. (One part of the tincture to ten of water.)
Medicines.–(Every hour.)
Aconite 3.
–If there is fever, restlessness, or fear of death.
Ignat. 3.
–If fretful and irritable.
Nux v. 3.
–Spasms, excited by the lightest touch.