Adjective : spasmodic efforts at reform.    From Dictionary.com. 

I knew there was no imposthume in my lungs, and I supposed the stitches were spasmodical.    From Wordnik.com.  [Travels through France and Italy] Reference

Hysterics, a disease peculiar to women, characterized by spasmodical and nervous affections, and often attended with hypocondriacal symptoms.    From Wordnik.com.  [The Cherokee Physician, or Indian Guide to Health, as Given by Richard Foreman, a Cherokee Doctor; Comprising a Brief View of Anatomy, With General Rules for Preserving Health without the Use of Medicines. The Diseases of the U. States, with Their Symptoms, Causes, and Means of Prevention, are Treated on in a Satisfactory Manner. It Also Contains a Description of a Variety of Herbs and Roots, Many of which are not Explained in Any Other Book, and their Medical Virtues have Hitherto been Unknown to the Whites; To which is Added a Short Dispensatory.] Reference

But neither when, you sport your pen, O potent mirth compeller, Winning our hearts in monthly parts, can Pickwick or Sam Weller Cause us to weep with pathos deep, or shake with laugh spasmodical, As When you drain your copious vein for Bentley's periodical.    From Wordnik.com.  [The Dickens Centenary] Reference

Robespierre, in whom spasmodical courage and timidity ruled by rapid turns, began to suspect that he had been premature; and a convenient illness, which some suppose to have been feigned, excused his withdrawal for some weeks from a scene where he felt that he could no longer see clear.    From Wordnik.com.  [Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 1 of 3) Essay 1: Robespierre] Reference

At the end, when he didn’t die, I practically squealed with spasmodical glee! on 24 Dec 2003 at 6:16 pm14Jermelia.    From Wordnik.com.  [Rambles at starchamber.com » Blog Archive » Elvish fonts] Reference

14. spasmodical.    From Wordnik.com.  [A Spelling-Book for Advanced Classes] Reference

spasmodical croup, I think.    From Wordnik.com.  [Verner's Pride] Reference