ot troubles, the _lower_ part. Neuralgic
pains are almost always of this class.

In any case of this kind, heat may be applied to the spine, and rubbing
with hot oil given to it, at its upper or lower part as required. If
the heat and rubbing increase the pain, then cold applications may be
used. Sometimes heat and cold may be needed alternately; but common
sense must guide, and all irritation or chilling of the patient must be
carefully avoided.

The best manner of applying cold to the spine is described in article
on Angina Pectoris. Towels are folded as there directed. The moist one
(well wrung out) is placed next the spine, either over the part desired
or the whole spine. The dry one is placed over this, and the patient
lies down on his back on the top of them; or, if he cannot lie, as
sometimes happens, the towels are gently pressed with the hand against
the spine until sufficient cooling has resulted. The patient should
never be made to shiver. If he feels chilly, hot fomentations to the
feet and legs, as described in article on Angina Pectoris, may be
applied.

Balance, Loss of.--Cases where loss of balance in walking and standing
are due to St. Vitus' Dance will be treated under that head. Other
cases, where loss of power in the motor nerves causes this
unsteadiness, are treated of here. As these cases differ totally from
St. Vitus' Dance in cause and treatment, it is well carefully to
distinguish between them. In St. Vitus' Dance, then, notice that the
patient cannot lie still. In case of simple loss of power, he staggers
or falls only when moving, or trying to move. Probably also in the last
case there are cold feet and clammy skin. For this, bathe the feet at
bedtime in hot water, dry, and rub them with hot oil. Then apply to the
back on going to bed a warm cloth, covered with soap lather (_see_
Lather), with dry towel above it. Do this each night for a week. When
taking off the cloth, sponge the back with warm vinegar or weak acid
(_see_ Acetic Acid), and rub with warm olive oil.

After a week of this treatment, apply each night for two or three days,
a large BRAN POULTICE (_see_) across the loins for an hour at bedtime,
with olive oil before and after. Above all, conscientiously let the
patient _rest_. A good deal of lying in bed and on a sofa must be
taken, and good nourishment given (_see_ Assimilation, etc.). Some
weeks of alternate treatment like this should effect a great
improvement, if not a r