Abstract Details

Title Epilepsy Care in Mexico City at the Turn of the Century (1901)

Topic Research Methodology, Education, and History

Presentation(s) History of Neurology Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 001

Background The American Association for the Study of Epilepsy invited Mexican experts to describe epilepsy care in Mexico. The Mexican Academy of Medicine chose Dr. Secundino Sosa (1857-1901) to draft this report (1901).

Objective To describe epilepsy care in Mexico City at the turn of the century.

Design/Methods Primary sources were reviewed.

Results

In Mexico City, both the Hospital for Demented Women (formerly Divine Savior Hospital) and the Hospital for Demented Men (formerly St. Hippolytus Hospital) had special wards for persons with epilepsy (PwE).

In April 1901, 118 PwE were admitted in the Hospital for Demented Women: 79 in the ward for PwE, 36 in the ward for "degenerated" women, and 3 in the ward for distinguished women. Potassium, sodium, and ammonium bromides, as well as belladonna, were the most popular treatments. Dr. Miguel Alvarado, the first director of the Divine Savior Hospital, also used valerianate of ammonia, arsenic with potassium bromide, and Gélineau's dragées. Dr. Sosa tried subcutaneous atropine unsuccessfully. Convulsions (estado de mal epiléptico) were treated with calomel, and then purgative enemas and caffeine citrate. Hydropathy was also used.

At the same time, 48 PwE were admitted in the Hospital for Demented Men, most of them in the same ward. Bromides and picrotoxin were the most popular treatments. Hydropathy was less used.

Experimental and clinical research was conducted on local herbs that were popularly considered to have antiseizure properties (i.e., Senecio canicida, Ipomoea stans Cav., and Indigofera suffruticosa). According to Dr. Sosa, anil was somewhat effective for bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. Brown-Séquard's injections, organotherapy (including cerebrin), and trepanation had been used in Mexico City without much effect.

Conclusions Dedicated medical care for PwE has a long history in Mexico. At the fin de siècle, clinical research focused on epilepsy started in this country.

Authors/Disclosures
Guillermo R. Delgado-Garcia, MD, MSc (University of Calgary - Alberta Health Services) PRESENTER	Dr. Delgado-Garcia has received research support from Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (Mexico). Dr. Delgado-Garcia has received research support from Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (Mexico). Dr. Delgado-Garcia has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial Team Member with Neurology Resident & Fellow Section that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Delgado-Garcia has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial Board Member with Brain and Life en Espanol that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Delgado-Garcia has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial Board Member with Neurology Clinical Practice that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
	No disclosure on file