Headache in the Emergency Department
In the initial assessment of the headache patient, the emergency physician must consider several dangerous secondary causes of headache. A thorough history and physical examination, along with consideration of a…
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Traumatic Injuries to the Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nervous System
Both blunt and penetrating trauma can cause injuries to the peripheral and central nervous systems. Emergency providers must maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in the setting of polytrauma….
Clinical Relevance and Considerations of Palliative Care in Older Adults
The incorporation of palliative care to address the needs of the older adult is a vital part of emergency medicine. Recognizing the trajectory of chronic diseases in older adults and…
Applying Geriatric Principles to Transitions of Care in the Emergency Department
Each emergency department (ED) visit represents a crucial transition of care for older adults. Systems, provider, and patient factors are barriers to safe transitions and can contribute to morbidity and…
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology in the Emergency Department
The rehab services of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology (PT/OT/SLP) are areas of emerging practice in the emergency department (ED). These specialty consult services can provide ED…
Elder Abuse—A Guide to Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department
Elder abuse affects many older adults and can be life threatening. Older adults both in the community and long-term care facilities are at risk. An emergency department visit is an…
Rapid Fire
Increasing prescription drug use trends in the United States affects patients across all ages, but especially the geriatric patient. As patients age, they are at increased risk for adverse events…
Infections in Older Adults
Infections in elderly patients can prove diagnostically challenging. Age-related factors affecting the immune system in older individuals contribute to nonspecific presentations. Other age-related factors and chronic conditions have symptoms that…
Genitourinary Emergencies in Older Adults
Older adults are frequently seen in the emergency department for genitourinary complaints, necessitating that emergency physicians are adept at managing a myriad of genitourinary emergencies. Geriatric patients may present with…
Disaster Diagnoses in Geriatric Patients with Abdominal Pain
Care of geriatric patients with abdominal pain can pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to emergency physicians. Older adults rarely present with classic signs, symptoms, and laboratory abnormalities. The incidence…
