14 DAYS ASLEEP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 139, 15 June 1938, Page 13

14 DAYS ASLEEP.

THEN WOMAN DIED. DOCTORS PUZZLED. INFLAMMATION OF BRAIN ? SYDNEY, June 9. A strange parallel to the case of Nur-e Kathleen Wilson, who las been unconscious in Royal North Shore Hospital for 24 days, has occurred at the Xew South Wales Com 111 unity Hospital, where a married woman died after 14 days' unconsciousness. Twenty of the city's leading doctors were in consultation on the woman'-* condition, when they were told by another doctor that she had died during their discussion. The doctors were puzzled about the cause of the woman's condition, but it has been agreed that she probably was suffering from the effects of encephalitis. inflammation of the brain. The patient, who w.is .">S, and lived in tne St. George district, lay peacefully in her bed for 14 days. Unlike Nurse Wilson, she did not respond to touch, and could not open her eyes; but she was able to swallow soft food. Failed to Rouse Her. The efforts of doctors and nurses failed to rouse her. She had been in hospital a fortnight before she became fully unconscious. The patient was subjected to thorough examinations, but her condition did not improve. Specialists were called to the hospital. There was a dramatic scene as they gathered in the board room to discuss the case. The conference was brought to an end when it was announced that the woman, who was the mother of an adult family, had died. It is stated that there will not be a post-mortem examination. It is considered that the patient suffered no pain after lapsing into a state of coma. When first she went to the out-patients' department about a month ago, she complained of slight recurring headaches. She was admitted. A few days after admission, it was noted that each day she slept longer. As the days passed, it became difficult to awaken her; and 14 days ago she passed into a sleep, from which she did not awaken. Nurse Wilson, who was found unconscious in her bed at Mosman 24 days ago, is commencing to show signs of improvement. Her doctors believe that she will recover under treatment. She is suffering from a blood clot on the brain; an operation is unlikely. Release has created wide interest in the medical world.