Aortic dissection is deadly…. but why do we miss it, and how do we improve? This post from Drew Long provides pearls and pitfalls for your next shift.
Aortic Dissection: Why do we miss it? How to improve? Read More »
COVID is resurging, but what can we miss? What can mimic COVID-19?
COVID-19 Mimics: Pearls and Pitfalls Read More »
The sick patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is challenging. What should you consider? How do you resuscitate these patients, and what about transfer?
The Crashing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Patient Read More »
Empathy is a vital aspect of medicine. However, sometimes the madness and cynicism of the ED can destroy empathy. How can you remain empathetic and optimize your patient interactions?
Empathy in the Emergency Department Read More »
A thunderclap headache is defined by sudden, severe pain. The classic teaching in medical school is that a “thunderclap” headache is pathognomonic for subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, only 11-25% of TCHs are due to SAH. What else should you consider when a patient presents with a TCH?
Thunderclap Headache – Pearls and Pitfalls Read More »
Drug abuse, whether of illicit or prescription drugs, is currently an epidemic. Patients may go into withdrawal, which can be dangerous. This is the second of a two-part series covering withdrawal states. Our first post evaluated the diagnosis and management of alcohol withdrawal. Today’s will cover opioids, benzos, cocaine, amphetamines, and caffeine.
Drug Withdrawal: Pearls and Pitfalls Read More »
Alcohol use is extremely widespread throughout developed countries. It is estimated that 8 million people in the US are alcohol dependent. Approximately 20% of men and 10% of women will at some point in their lives have an alcohol-use disorder. About half of people with alcohol-use disorders will have symptoms of withdrawal when they cut down or stop their alcohol consumption. Extreme complications, including seizures and/or delirium tremens, will occur in 3-5% of these people.
Alcohol Withdrawal: Pearls and Pitfalls Read More »
Pneumonia is an illness frequently seen in our emergency departments. But, are all presentations actually pneumonia? Are we missing other illnesses that present similarly to pneumonia? Which ones pose significant morbidity and mortality risk to our patients? What clues are out there that will aid us in making an alternative and critical diagnosis?
Pneumonia Mimics: Pearls and Pitfalls Read More »
Important pearls to consider when working up unilateral facial weakness as Bell’s Palsy or perhaps another more dangerous and hidden pathology
Bell’s Palsy: Pearls and Pitfalls in Evaluation and Management Read More »