FOR THE APPLICATION OF COCAIN TO THE UVULA.

Abstract

There is always more or less difficulty to anesthetize the uvula with cocain by making application with cotton on a carrier. I had for several years used cotton on a toothpick, with very little satisfaction, and seldom getting the uvula insensible. The first attempt usually produces reflex spasms of the soft palate and faucial muscles. Rubbing the uvula with cotton keeps up this effect until the mucous membrane of the uvula is insensible to the touch. This is very disagreeable to the patient; besides, the cocain by contact spreads over the base of the tongue, the pharyngeal wall and the larynx. This often produces nausea and discomfort. I have devised a little instrument, shown in the cut, which has none of the objectionable features of the cotton probe method; besides, it does its work thoroughly and is no trouble at all. Its general contour is that of a spoon, its