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WRITERS' CRAMP. Causes

Categories: Diseases of The Nervous System

This occurs much oftener in men than in women,
and usually between the ages of twenty-five and forty. The predisposing

causes are a nervous constitution, heredity, alcoholism, worry, etc. The

chief exciting cause,--excessive writing, especially when it is done

under a strain.



Symptoms. It usually begins with fatigue, weight, or actual pain in the

affected muscles. In the spasm form the fingers are seized with a
onstant

or intermittent spasm whenever the person grasps the pen. The neuralgic

form is similar in symptoms but severe pain and fatigue comes with

writing. The tremulous form: In this the hand when used becomes the seat

of the decided tremor. The paralytic form: The chief symptoms are

excessive weakness and fatigue of the part and these disappear when the

pen is laid aside.



Recovery. If taken in time and if the hand is allowed perfect rest, the

condition may improve rapidly. There is, however, a tendency to recur.



PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Writers' Cramps. There must be absolute rest of

the hand. General tonics, such as iron, strychnine, arsenic, and cod-liver

oil may be needed to tone up the system.



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