Sarsam
Sarsam has two types:
Phlegmatic Sarsam
Bilious Sarsam
Phlegmatic Sarsam (Lethargus)
The word sarsam means a disease of the head, but Ibn Sina (Avicenna) describes sarsam as swelling of the head, which usually occurs in the brain and its membranes. In this condition, there is an excess of phlegm, heaviness of the head, sluggishness, intense coldness, slight watering in the eyes, and nasal discharge. Urine and stool may pass involuntarily. The eyes are half-open, and the scalp feels sticky. Hands and feet are cold, and breathing comes with a snoring sound. When inflammation and swelling begin in the brain due to stimulation, excessive salivation appears in the early stage. Nausea occurs, retching is present, and sometimes mild vomiting of tasteless material happens. There is pain deep in the eyes. Urine is white, and stool is loose like diarrhea. Redness in the eyes is also a sign of sarsam. This type of sarsam is rare because phlegm does not usually cause severe swelling. However, drowsiness is prominent. Generally, in cold weather, phlegm accumulation rarely leads to inflammation, but if the fluids become infected or putrefied, mild fever may occur.
Bilious Sarsam:
In this condition, excess bile in the blood causes excitement and agitation. When there is increased pressure of blood toward the brain, the brain cannot tolerate the excessive fluids, leading to confusion and delirium. The patient speaks incoherently and experiences body stiffness, heaviness, bitter taste in the mouth, continuous bitter vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, anxiety, headache, and thirst, followed by high fever, which increases agitation further. The patient tries to get out of bed repeatedly. The eyes become severely red and swollen. Sometimes the eyes and nostrils are dry and red, while the tongue and face appear yellow. When the brain does not receive proper nourishment and comfort, consciousness begins to fade. The patient may fall unconscious, stare fixedly at one point, and upon waking may try to grasp objects in the air.
Causes
Frequent use of hot and dry substances
Burning or irritant substances
Electric shocks
Working in hot weather and environments