J Emerg Med
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Modern dental care and use of antibiotics for oral infections have made Ludwig's angina rare. To avoid acute airway obstruction, emergency physicians must be able to rapidly recognize and treat this condition. A typical case of Ludwig's angina is presented, followed by a review of clinical findings and therapeutic modalities. Emphasis is made on airway management, antibiotics, and surgical drainage.
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Dementia is a relatively common syndrome seen in the elderly emergency department population. The emergency physician usually sees demented patients secondary to behavioral complications. Diagnosing the syndrome of dementia principally consists of ruling out treatable causes, which can be performed either in an in-patient or out-patient location. ⋯ Complications that are primarily treated non-pharmacologically include circadian rhythm disturbance, catastrophic reaction (excessive emotional response), and wandering, as well as some mild verbal outbursts and delusions. Pharmacologic interventions are usually necessary for agitation, physical attacks, and significant delusions or hallucinations. Neuroleptic medication is the principal pharmacologic class with which to treat these symptoms, although benzodiazepines are also effective.