ABSCESS OF THE SPINAL CORD

Abstract

Abscess of the spinal cord is so rare a condition, presents so irregular a clinical picture, and involves such interesting and difficult problems in diagnosis that this case has seemed to be deserving of full report: A. J., man, teamster, was admitted to Harper Hospital, Sept. 28, 1916, complaining of a motor impairment of the left leg of twelve days' duration. The personal and family history were negative. Though five children had died at birth, only one living two hours, venereal disease was denied and the patient's Wassermann test was negative. He had been a pretty steady user of alcohol, ordinarily drinking four or five bottles of beer daily, and on the Saturday night, twelve days prior to his admission, he had drunk more heavily than usual. About 10 p. in. of this day, he experienced a numbness in his left leg, and he could walk only with difficulty. The