Paralysis of the Diaphragm in the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Paralysis of the hemi-diaphragm in its imitation of natural response reduces dissemination of both bacteria and toxins and aids in the resistance and defense of the individual against the more acute phases of tuberculosis. Diaphragmatic paralysis, supplementary to collapse by pneumothorax, will not only aid in the control of the more acute phases of the disease, but may permit closure of cavities in the more chronic and healing phase of the disease. Permanent paralysis of the diaphragm is seldom indicated and, in most instances, has been found to be a handicap to subsequent attempts to close cavities and leave an individual with adequate vital capacity for even reasonably active existence.