Sleeping Sickness

It is an African disease caused by infection with a germ communicated by the bite of the Tse-tse fly (Glossina palpalis). There are enlargement of lymphatic glands, later on, there occurs impaired muscular power and endurance, mental torpor and the patient falls asleep at work or meals; the gait is shuffling and the patient may stagger or fall; the body wastes; tremors, twitching and convulsions occur. Death from exhaustion, sometimes follows about 2 years after the onset of lethargy.

Treatment

Chloral Hydrate 2x (frit.) 4 grs., in water, every 3 or 5 hours. If after 2 or 3 weeks improvement occurs, give 3x instead and stop ft as soon as marked improvement occurs. If it fails, try Opium, Nux Moschata, Apis, Arsenic, Helleborus, Lachesis, Naja, Kali Brom., Moschus, Sulphur.