Studies of Electrical Skin Resistance in Peripheral Nerve Lesions

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Abstract
39 humans were studied: 27 of peripheral nerve lesions, and the others involving ruptured intervertebral discs, fracture dislocations of the spine, sym-pathectomies, and hysterical anesthesia. 6 cats were examined for electrical skin resistance (E.S.R.) of the central toe pads of the hind feet for 85 days following complete unilateral section of the sciatic n. In cats, E.S.R. increased by 20 times on the day following operation, over both the preoperative level of the same foot and the postoperative value for the opposite foot. The difference in E.S.R. continued to increase until the 20th day, after which there was a decrease to the 35th day, followed by a gradual rise until the end of observations. At all times following operation, E.S.R. was greatly above normal. Similar results were obtained in humans, E.S.R. remaining at a high level until neurotization took place. With the improved dermometer artificial diaphoresis was not often necessary; when it was, subcut. injn. of 2-5 mgs. furfuryltrimethylammonium iodide (furmethide) was effective in 5 min. and was by far the most satisfactory diaphoretic agent.