STUDIES IN THE BLOOD VOLUME OF EPILEPTICS
Morgan B. Hodskins M. D.1,
Riley H. Guthrie M. D.1, , and
James Z. Naurison M.D., F.A.C.P.2
1 Palmer, Mass.
2 Springfield, Mass.
1. We have attempted to show that the cerebrospinal pathology in epilepsy is variable.
2. Dehydration is a factor in common in methods of treatment which modify the seizures in epilepsy.
3. The incidence of epilepsy is low in diseases in which there is present a low blood volume or a tendency to dehydration.
4. Alkalosis, edema, and decreased oxygen tension, conditions favoring convulsions are closely inter-related, as are acidosis, tissue dehydration and increased oxygen tension, conditions which decrease seizures.
5. A disturbance in the vasomotor control of the cerebral vessels is suggested as the precipitating factor of the epileptic convulsion.
6. A trend towards higher blood volume values was found in 78 epileptics as compared with 42 controls.
7. A low blood volume was found during convulsive seizures and during fainting attacks.
8. Acidosis, as is produced by ammonium nitrate therapy, is not sufficient to control seizures.
