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Modern Optometry
Explore the impacts of sickle cell disease on ocular health through an insightful case study of an 11-year-old patient. Uncover the significance of vigilant monitoring, the promise of spontaneous regression, and the crucial role of various diagnostic tools in managing sickle cell retinopathy.
Optometry June 26th 2023
Epilepsy Currents
Uncover the potential link between antiepileptic drug use and Parkinson’s disease incidence; join the discussion to decipher the results of this groundbreaking case-control study and explore the future of epilepsy treatment.
Neurology June 21st 2023
Dentistry Today
Explore the potential of autogenous dentin grafts in dental implantology, a promising alternative to traditional bone grafts that leverages the patient’s own extracted teeth for ridge preservation and augmentation.
Dentistry June 16th 2023
Dentaltown
Embrace the future of aesthetic dentistry with minimally invasive veneers, a technique that marries preservation of natural tooth structure with the creation of beautiful, long-lasting smiles.
Clinical Advisor
Navigate the complex world of diagnosing Chiari malformation in this insightful review of a clinical case. To understand Chiari malformation, let’s explore a clinical case. A mid-30s patient with a migraine history came to the ED with a sudden posterior headache. Accompanied by transient total body numbness, loss of coordination, and an inability to swallow with drooling, these symptoms started abruptly after violent sneezing. Although neurological symptoms faded after 20 seconds, the headache persisted. Regarding vital signs and physical examination, everything was normal. The patient had a head CT ordered. Interpreting the clinical picture and CT images with care is crucial in these cases. Even though a sudden onset headache could signify a ruptured berry aneurysm, no blood was detected on the CT cuts, minimizing that concern. Remember, an LP is seldom recommended if the CT is performed within 6 hours and hemoglobin exceeds 10 g/dL. However, the clinical presentation in this case, characterized by headache and drooling, didn’t match a typical migraine. Be mindful that many patients might loosely use the term “migraine” for any severe headache. The CT cut revealed a brainstem compressed by the cerebellum, indicative of a Chiari malformation type 1. Chiari malformation, characterized by an […]
Emergency Medicine May 24th 2023
Practical Pain Management
This case study applies the newly revised CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain to a patient with chronic neck pain. The patient, Joanna, is a 78-year-old woman who has undergone two neck surgeries and experiences worsening pain. Her pain ranges from 6 to 7 on average and can increase up to 8. She has tried various non-pharmacologic modalities, such as heat, ice, TENS, physical therapy, and massage therapy, but insurance limitations and cost have hindered her access to these treatments. Considering Joanna’s medical history, physical therapy and topical analgesics are identified as potential options. However, due to limitations and contraindications with other medications, the only feasible options for her are low-dose acetaminophen and topical analgesics. As a result, initiating a low-dose opioid therapy is considered appropriate, in addition to low-dose acetaminophen, OTC menthol and methyl salicylate cream, and a referral to physical medicine and rehabilitation. Before initiating opioids, the patient’s risk of side effects, including overdose, addiction, constipation, and hypogonadal axis suppression, should be discussed. Joanna’s Risk Index for Overdose or Serious Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression (RIOSORD) score indicates a risk class of 4 out of 7, with a 15% estimated probability of an opioid-induced respiratory depression event […]
Neurology May 17th 2023