Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 March 1889 — Paralyzed by Chewing Gum. [ARTICLE]

Paralyzed by Chewing Gum.

The most remarkable case that has come under llie observaion of the medical fraternity iu this city for a long time is that of Mary Y r ountz, aged 12 years, who is suffering from facial paralysis. This affliction is due to chewing gum, she having employed the use of her jaws so constantly during the last three months that the muscles of her face are powerless and her nerves are in a dilapidated condition. When she laughs her face presents an amusing sight, and yet there is much sympathy felt for the little girl, as her condition is regarded as a serious one by the physicians who have been called upon to treat her. In whatever position she is able to twist her mouth the muscles emain, and the face is thus ii» a contorted shape until one of the members of her family assists her with their hands to place it in proper < ondition. Her chin drops, and it frequently becomes necessary to tie a bandage over her head to keep the lower jaw in the proper phne. Mary is now under the care of Dr. Hites, who is applying plasters to h r face, and under this treatment she seems to be improving, though slowly. —Philadelphia Press.