J Emerg Med
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Review Case Reports
Hypertensive encephalopathy presenting as status epilepticus in a three year old.
Hypertensive encephalopathy is one of the few neurologic emergencies in which prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent neurological damage. This syndrome is rarely seen in children. ⋯ Hypertensive encephalopathy is a rare cause of acute neurological changes in children that can cause permanent damage if not recognized early. This case illustrates the importance of considering this syndrome as a potential cause of neurological symptoms, especially as neuroimaging can initially be misleading.
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Case Reports
Rhabdomyolysis in MDMA intoxication: a rapid and underestimated killer. "Clean" Ecstasy, a safe party drug?
Ecstasy is a popular drug among young adults. It is often thought to be safe. The dose of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in a tablet of Ecstasy varies greatly, and there is also a difference in individual response to a dose of MDMA. ⋯ The cause of death was a rapidly evolving hyperkalemia due to rhabdomyolysis. There is still a need to educate the public about the dangers of this so-called "safe" party drug.
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Case Reports
Retinal detachment due to facial gunshot wound: the utility of ultrasonography in a medically austere environment.
Retinal detachment is one complication of ocular trauma. Retinal detachments resulting from gunshot wounds are typically associated with significant facial trauma, orbital trauma, or globe penetration. Ultrasonography has been shown to be of diagnostic utility in the evaluation of retinal detachments. ⋯ Ultrasonography can be a valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of ocular trauma in medically austere environments.
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Across the globe, physicians in the emergency department (ED) are subject to violence by patients and visitors. This has been shown to have negative effects on patient care and physician performance. ⋯ This study provides further evidence of the global prevalence of the problem, with the first nationwide epidemiological study performed in a developing country.