Journal of Mental Science (1937) 83: 190-201. doi: 10.1192/bjp.83.343.190
© 1937 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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A Case of Hysteria Showing Spontaneous HyperVentilation Tetany

Russell Fraser, M.B., N.Z., M.R.C.P.Lond., Assistant Medical Officer

Maudsley Hospital, London

ABSTRACT

  1. Spontaneous hyperventilation tetanic fits are described in a hysterical patient, who had had apparently similar fits during whooping-cough in infancy. A psychogenesis is shown to be closely related to the present illness. Three other illustrative cases are briefly described.
  2. Observations were made of the biochemical changes during the fits, and of methods of inducing and terminating them. A gaseous alkalosis was found to coincide with the fits, and they could be terminated either by correcting this or by giving calcium intravenously; but calcium, acid or alkali therapy had no definite influence on the tendency to attacks.
  3. The abnormal susceptibility to hyperventilation tetany, the disturbance of respiratory control seen in these patients and the close intermingling of psychogenesis with physiological abnormalities seen in this patient are discussed; the nature of these latter essential abnormalities is still obscure.