Observations In Hypoglycaemia: V. Disorders of Speech

Abstract

During the hypoglycaemia produced by insulin for the treatment of psychoses, disorders of speech occur as symptoms of the dissolution and restitution of cerebral function. Although transitory, they can be observed accurately, as the hypoglycaemic condition is repeated daily for weeks in the same patient. They have in fact been studied and commented on by several workers since the method was initiated by Sakel in 1934; we shall refer later to some of the findings and views in the literature. In this paper an attempt will be made to describe and classify the various speech disorders, and to relate their characteristic features to other hypoglycaemie symptoms occurring at the same time. Attention will be drawn to certain speech-like symptoms which hitherto have been scarcely noticed. The possible influence of the underlying psychosis will also have to be considered.