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Some Observations on the Effects of Local Anaesthetic Injections into the Cerebral Hemispheres of Rabbits and Psychotic Patients

Dunedin, New Zealand

ABSTRACT

In the first section of this paper some animal experiments are described. These were carried out in 1947 without knowledge of the work of Soulairac and Barbizet on rats (1946). Subsequently 8 infiltrations of the white matter of the frontal lobes have been carried out with local anaesthetic agents (in 3 psychotic patients). On some occasions there was immediate improvement, and in others improvement only after a period of altered conduct. The duration of the benefit over several days is noteworthy. The first case showed immediate benefit, but the repeated infiltration led to confusion.

The second case showed some benefit, which was sustained for weeks, apart from one of his short excited episodes.

In the third case 4 injections were more effective in controlling behaviour over a 6-week period than 12 E.C.T. in the preceding 6 weeks, and an equal number of E.C.T. in the subsequent six-week period.

Received for publication May 13, 1950.