Sium

latifolium. Water-parsnip. N. O. Umbelliferæ. Tincture of root.

Clinical

Convulsions / Tetanus

Characteristics

Our knowledge of Water-parsnip is derived from cases of poisoning through eating the root. The symptoms bear a strong resemblance to those of the other poisonous Umbelliferæ. The most pronounced features of the convulsions of Sium were the drawing of the arms to the middle of the body, flexure of the fingers, and the preponderance of the contractions on the left side. The lack of mental energy recalls the action of Æthusa.

1. Mind

Much excited. Fear of death. Lack of mental activity.

2. Head

Dizziness; headache.

3. Eyes

Pupils dilated, responded steadily to bright light.

9. Throat

Burning along alimentary tract, esp. œsophagus.

11. Stomach

Nausea and vomiting, at end of which he fell into a convulsion.

12. Abdomen

Sense of swelling and flatulence about bowels.

17. Respiratory Organs

Breathing slow and stertorous.

24. Generalities

Muscles in a state of tonic contraction; arms drawn to middle of body; fingers flexed; opisthotonos; greater contraction of muscles of l. side than of r. Every few minutes spasms, at first violently clonic, diminishing with each succeeding convulsion till they became little more than tremors; by degrees the character changed until the last one (in which circulation and respiration ceased), which was a pure tonic spasm. Loss of voluntary motion. Prostration.

27. Fever

Skin cold and clammy. Head hot, rest of body cold. Wet with perspiration.