Two more cases of neurasthenia which also give details of trench warfare and other injuries. The symptoms of this condition include physical and mental exhaustion with headaches or irritability and can be linked to depression or emotional stress. Many ‘shell shock’ cases displayed symptoms of neurasthenia. (Catalogue ref: MH106/2101)
Transcript
| Medical Case Sheet Army Form I 1237 | ||||
| No, in Admission and Discharge Book
5157 |
Regimental No.
9785 |
Rank
Corporal |
Surname
Carnell |
Christian Name
George |
| Year | Unit | Age | Service | |
| 1915 | 1st North Staffords | 41 | 1 yr 4 months-re-enlisted | |
| Station & Date
Sheffield 3 A.G.H. Oct.1st
4.10.15
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Disease: Traumatic Neurasthenia & bruises
Dug-out was blown in by German shell on 25th at Ypres- when drawing enemies fire to mask an attack on German trenches. Patient was buried in the debris and had to be dug out. He was unconscious at the time and taken to A.D.S. [advanced dressing station] that night-having to remain in trenches until dark-several hours.
At first he lost his memory. Had pain in back and right knee. Feels light headed. Has been in bed ever since. Says he didn’t sleep for 4 nights, and had morphia pills at Etaples No. 23 General [hospital]. Crossed over [to England] Sept. 30th.
Present Condition Still complains of headache- base of skull & right parietal. No tenderness on pressure. Sleeps well now, but has not much appetite feels “light-headed” at times, & loses his memory-forgetting where he has put things, & what he going to do with them when he has them in his hand. Knee jerks +slight also… Has lost his sense of smell. Pupils react equally to light. No pain anywhere else. Has had synovitis of the right knee for some time off and on [synovium membrane in the knee joint becomes inflamed, causes entire joint to swell and become tender].
Furlough [Leave] J. Sinclair White Lt. Colonel Royal Army Medical Corps |
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| Medical Case Sheet Army Form I 1237 | ||||
| No, in Admission and Discharge Book
47 |
Regimental
3686 |
Rank
Private |
Surname
Farrell |
Christian Name
Frank |
| Year | Unit | Age | Service | |
| 1915 | 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers | 27 | 5 years | |
| Station & Date
Military Northumberland War Hospital
13 July 15 17th July 15 July 22nd August 8.15
22.9.15 |
Disease: Neurasthenia & effects of poison gas
On the 2nd May 1915 when at Ypres (St. Julien) in trenches he noticed a greenish yellow smoke approaching their position. The smoke rose to about 8 or 10 feet in the air & came slowly over them. He felt a choking sensation & as though his head would burst. He had a desire to lie down & the after a drink of water he vomited a green & yellow fluid. He had a greenish expectation (phlegm) with a painful irritating cough. After being taken to dressing station he was then sent to Hospital at Boulogne. Was there 7 or 8 days & then to No.6. Stationary Hospital at Le Havre- On admission here patient was in a highly neurotic condition, all physical signs of bronchitis which he had been treated for at Havre had disappeared- no abnormal physical signs except a shaky condition of hands. Treatment- Ordinary diet- had blepharitis of right eye- he says caused by gas
Much improved Improving steadily Teeth attended to, and artificial denture fitted Patient’s condition is very unsatisfactory, has lost weight steadily, 13lbs during 5 weeks. Sputum examined and T.B. not found Has made a slow recovery. Very neurotic & shaky when discharge was recommended. |
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