Myths in EM: Is Head CT Needed Before LP in all Adults with Suspected Bacterial Meningitis?
When is a head CT needed before LP in patients with suspected meningitis? This post looks at the literature surrounding this topic and more.
meningitis
Must Know Antimicrobial Regimens – Adults
There are certain diseases we see every day in the ED, including pneumonia, UTI, and cellulitis. A variety of antimicrobials exists, but what are the regimens that you must know for treating common infections in the ED? This post evaluates your “must know” regimens for treatment.
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Thunderclap Headache – Pearls and Pitfalls
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?
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What’s that Rash? An approach to dangerous rashes based on morphology
A wide range of benign and dangerous pathology can present with a rash. It is wise to develop a systematic approach to rashes in the ED, one that helps you recognize the deadly causes of rash while narrowing the differential diagnosis. Any patient with a fever plus a rash could potentially have one of many deadly diseases. In order to narrow it down further, we are going to use a morphology-based approach.
What’s that Rash? An approach to dangerous rashes based on morphology Read More »
Meningitis: Clinical Pearls and Pitfalls
A few of the questions in your mind should at least be: what is most likely to kill this patient, do I need to get a CT of the head, does he need a lumbar puncture, does he need any urgent medications, and what labs should I order?
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