The American journal of emergency medicine
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Black widow species (Latrodectus species) envenomation can produce a syndrome characterized by painful muscle rigidity and autonomic disturbances. Symptoms tend to be more severe in young children and adults. We describe black widow spider exposures and treatment in the pediatric age group, and investigate reasons for not using antivenom in severe cases. ⋯ In our study, most symptomatic black widow envenomations were minor. Relatively few patients received antivenom, but antivenom use was associated with shorter symptom duration among moderate and major outcome groups.
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We report a 24year old female who presented with sudden and severe headaches after recent carbon monoxide poisoning. Imaging revealed an acute cerebral venous thrombosis. ⋯ However, little data is available regarding the correlation between carbon monoxide poisoning and cerebral venous thrombosis. This case demonstrates that such a correlation should be considered in acute intracerebral thrombotic events.
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At many mass gathering events (MGEs), emergency medical services decrease the number of patient transfers to the hospital; however, little information is known regarding the characteristics of attendees presenting to or requiring transfer to the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of patients presenting from MGEs to the ED. A secondary aim of this study is to describe ED resources utilized by these patients. ⋯ Patients presenting to the ED from MGEs generally required minimal medical care beyond supportive management with low rates of hospital admission. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.