PSYCHOSES

Abstract

[23] Encephalographic studies in manic-depressive psychosis.-MATTHEw T. MOORE, DAVID NATHAN, ANNIE R. ELLIOTT and CHARLES LAUBACH. Arch. of Neurol. and Psychiat., 1934, 31, 1194. IN a previous communication, in which encephalographic studies of 60 schizophrenic patients were reported, the conclusions indicated that definite organic changes existed, as manifested by the failure of any encephalographic study to reveal a normal cerebral pattern. Here is presented the results of a similar study of 38 cases of manic-depressive psychosis in various stages. It was found that the cerebrospinal fluid pressures were in the majority of cases top normal or higher, indicating the presence of the factor of chronic increased intracranial pressure. The quantity of cerebrospinal fluid removed in the majority of cases indicated varying degrees of cortical atrophy and enlargement of the ventricular system and cisterns. No definite cerebral pattern was obtained in a sufficient number of cases to be characteristic. The encephalographic pathological condition was manifested in the following ways: (1) cortical atrophy of varying intensity; (2) enlargement of the ventricular system; (3) asymmetry of the lateral ventricles; (4) absence of cortical air markings; (5) enlargement of the cisterns; (6) island of Reil atrophy; (7) enlargement of the sulcus callosi and sulcus cinguli; (8) increased interhemispheric air, and (9) cerebellar atrophy. In fact none of the encephalographic films showed a normal cerebral pattern. C. S: R.