Acute headaches account for 1-2% of all ED visits. Of these patients, 1-3% will actually have a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (Goldstein 2006). This makes it a rare, challenging to make diagnosis but, one with a significant associated mortality. The key for survival in patients with an aneurysmal SAH is recognition followed by prompt endovascular repair or surgery.
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Button Battery Ingestion
Button battery ingestions can have disastrous complications. This post is a guide to management.
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Journal Review
Shock Index vs. ABC Score in Predicting Need for Massive Transfusion
Massive hemorrhage is a major cause of early death in trauma patients. A vast majority of US trauma centers haves established Massive Transfusion Protocols (MTP) in order to facilitate early and aggressive balanced resuscitation. Though some institutions have created initiation policies to activate MTP, others rely on subjective clinical judgment based on initial vital signs for activation.
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Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
This post explores the diagnosis and management of croup.
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Journal Review
Topical TXA in Epistaxis
Epistaxis is a common Emergency Department (ED) complaint with over 450,000 visits per year and a lifetime incidence of 60% (Gifford 2008, Pallin 2005). Standard anterior epistaxis treatment consists of holding pressure, use of local vasoconstrictors, topical application of silver nitrate and placement of an anterior nasal pack. ED patients with epistaxis often fail conservative management and end up with anterior nasal packs which are uncomfortable.
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Acute Mountain Sickness
This post focuses on the presentation, diagnosis and management of the spectrum of AMS.
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Journal Review
Infusion Versus IV Push Low-Dose Ketamine for Analgesia
Sub-dissociative dose ketamine in the ED for treatment of pain is gaining recognition as an adjunct or alternative to opioid analgesics. Previous research from this group and others have demonstrated a role of low dose ketamine (0.1-0.3 mg/kg IV) as opioid sparing analgesic.The major issue with wider ketamine use is its adverse effects; the feeling of unreality,
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Upper GI Bleeding
This post is an overview of upper GI bleeding with a focus on treatment
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