FLACCID PARAPLEGIA FOLLOWING THE DIAGNOSTIC USE OF FREI ANTIGEN

Abstract

Neurologic complications following the administration of serums and vaccines are fortunately uncommon. However, with the present day almost universal use of the parenteral method of introducing therapeutic and prophylactic agents, an increasing number of paralytic accidents is being reported. The clinician who makes the injection is well aware that it may be followed by a local or systemic reaction but usually gives little thought to the possibility that paralysis may at any time closely supervene on this common procedure. This almost complete disregard of such a probability prevails despite the fact that the nervous system is known to be extremely susceptible to a number of noxious substances. The two procedures most frequently indicated are both prophylactic. Since the earliest vaccinations complications involving the central nervous system have been recognized, although comparatively little attention has been accorded such accidents until recent years. Since the appearance of Lucksch's¹ report in 1924