Galvanism

Galvanism - (obsolete) any type of treatment of diseases using electricity. Interrupted galvanism is a type of electrotherapy that uses direct electrical current, pulses lasting from 30 to 100 milliseconds, to stimulate the activity of nerves or the muscles they innervate. See also Faradism.

Galvanism is an outdated method of treating various diseases using electric current. It was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but its use is currently limited due to a lack of proven effectiveness and possible risks.

Galvanism can be used to stimulate the activity of the nervous system, as well as improve blood circulation and tissue metabolism. However, this method is not safe and can lead to serious complications such as burns, seizures and even death.

There are several types of galvanism, including continuous galvanism, intermittent galvanism, and faradism. With constant galvanism, the electric current is supplied continuously, and with intermittent galvanism, it is supplied in pulses. Faradism is an older method in which an electrical current is applied through the skin, causing irritation and stimulating nerve endings.

Today, galvanism is used primarily in scientific research and as a teaching tool for medical students. It is practically not used in medical practice due to its ineffectiveness, danger and lack of proven benefit.

Galvanism is the process of producing electrical energy by electrically bonding different metals or bringing their surfaces into contact. It is named after the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. A galvanic cell is a power source based on the galvanic effect. This cell consists of two porous metals placed in a solution that allows electrolysis.

In medical practice, galvanism has found wide application in the treatment of various diseases. There are several methods of galvanotherapy treatment:

a) Electrophoresis (passing electricity through a solution containing medicinal substances and delivering it through the skin, mucous membrane or gastric tissue). This method is used for diseases of the brain, kidneys, and eyes.

b) Galvanotomy (use of a hot wire connected to a source of electricity to cut tissue in the affected area. Used for amputation of limbs).

c) Using a galvanometer (a device for measuring the strength of electric current) to diagnose pathologies. A type of electrotherapy is pulsed galvanic current. It represents direct or alternating current of low frequency and power. Pulsed galvanic electric current is used in neurological practice to reduce pain, restore nerve impulses and improve blood supply to tissues in affected areas.

When processing galvanism with current, it is necessary to take into account some rules that will help avoid undesirable consequences:

1. It is necessary to make sure that the current dosage is correct: too high or too low can lead to unpleasant consequences. 2. Direct contact with the skin should be avoided: special electrode attachments must be used to transmit current. 3. During the procedure, the patient must be on a solid base to prevent possible circulatory disturbances or displacement during the pulse. 4. Galvanotherapy treatment is carried out only after consulting a doctor.