PEMBlog

MARCH 4, 2025

Well cover its clinical presentation, epidemiology, diagnostic approach, and management, including why standard beta-lactam antibiotics wont work. Plus, well discuss whether M. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 68:13. pneumoniae even needs to be treated in the first place! 2024 Dec;56(1):2386636. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2386636.

Pediatrics 94

Pediatrics Military CDC Hospitals 94

Don't Forget the Bubbles

JANUARY 24, 2024

Four-year-old Fern is a previously healthy girl who presents with a febrile illness and seizures. Seizure activity did not respond to either first or second-line treatments, so she needed rapid sequence induction and transfer to PICU for ongoing anaesthesia and management. What causes Super Refractory Status Epilepticus?

Seizures 111

Seizures Pediatrics Outcomes Hyperthermia / Hypothermia 111

EMDocs

MAY 25, 2023

Design: Multi-centered, double-blinded, randomized trial PICO: Population: Inclusion Criteria: Age 2 years and older Must have been treated with a specified minimum dose of certain benzodiazepines for generalized convulsive seizures: Intravenous or rectal diazepam 0.3 Study included children, as well as adults.

Seizures 89

Seizures Administration Anaphylaxis Outcomes 89

Don't Forget the Bubbles

JUNE 30, 2023

As in CRASH-2, TXA did not show a significant increase in thrombotic events or seizures. Well, one study in Kornelson’s systematic review and meta-analysis is interesting. But the evidence is a bit contrary – the systematic review and meta-analysis found no increased risk of seizures in the 14 included studies.

Head Injuries 145

Head Injuries Seizures Pediatrics Outcomes 145

Mind The Bleep

OCTOBER 29, 2024

Alkali burns result in liquefaction necrosis, allowing for deeper tissue injury as well as vascular injury that can lead to both local and systemic toxicity [1]. These systemic effects can include central nervous system (agitation, seizures , and coma), as well as cardiac ( hypotension and dysrhythmias) [10, 11]. J Med Toxicol.

Burns 52

Burns Fluid Resuscitation PPE Resuscitation 52

Pediatric EM Morsels

APRIL 7, 2023

Observation, interaction with patient, as well as parent information is key to bring the whole picture together!

Stroke 130

Stroke Pediatrics Seizures Sepsis 130

EMDocs

JUNE 22, 2024

The newborn is doing well, but the mother is complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain. Eclampsia (B) is characterized by the onset of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia (hypertension and proteinuria), but it typically does not present with the sudden onset of respiratory distress and profound hypotension described here.

EMS 111

EMS Resuscitation Blood Transfusions Seizures 111

Pediatric EM Morsels

AUGUST 18, 2023

Myth # 2: Neurologic affects Nervous system adverse events mostly include central concerns (ex, seizures, headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, sleep disorders, hallucinations) and peripheral neuropathy. So, in the right clinical situtation, the benefits of the fluoroquinolone use in children may outweigh the risk. Clin Pediatr. Pediatrics.

Pediatrics 130

Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Seizures Hospitals 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 25, 2023

A New Seizure in a Healthy 20-something More cases of long QT not measured correctly by computer (these are all fascinating ECGs/cases): Bupropion Overdose Followed by Cardiac Arrest and, Later, ST Elevation. Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Long QT Syndrome with Continuously Recurrent Polymorphic VT: Management Cardiac Arrest.

EKG/ECG 124

EKG/ECG Seizures Hospitals Stroke 124

EMDocs

AUGUST 22, 2023

2019 American Heart Association Focused Update on Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: Use of Advanced Airways, Vasopressors, and Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation During Cardiac Arrest: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Ann Emerg Med.

Emergency Department 94

Emergency Department Blood Transfusions Resuscitation Sepsis 94

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 7, 2019

This is by one of our outstanding 3rd year residents , Aaron Robinson, with some edits and comments by Smith EMS responded to a reported seizure in a 42 year old male. He reports no personal or familial history of seizures. The physicians quickly recognized that this was not a seizure and likely cardiac in nature.

Seizures 40

Seizures EKG/ECG Shock EMS 40

EMDocs

JANUARY 29, 2024

However, other sources suggest that the optimal blood pressure target is not well established and may vary depending on the individual patient’s characteristics and the type of hemorrhagic transformation [7]. Stroke 2019; 50:e344. 2019 Aug;50(8):2023-2029. Epub 2019 Jun 20. Leonardi-Bee J, et al; IST Collaborative Group.

Stroke 99

Stroke Outcomes EMS Seizures 99

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

Date: September 10th, 2019 Reference: Fournier et al. Emergency Medicine Journal 2019. Date: September 10th, 2019 Reference: Fournier et al. Emergency Medicine Journal 2019. He is not on anticoagulation and there is no history of seizures. There are no other external signs of trauma on your exam.

Head Injuries 52

Head Injuries Emergency Department Seizures EMS 52

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

DECEMBER 7, 2019

Date: October 2nd, 2019 Reference: Ramgopal et al. Pediatrics 2019 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Katie Noorbakhsh is a pediatric emergency physician at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Date: October 2nd, 2019 Reference: Ramgopal et al. Changes in the Management of Children With Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUEs).

Pediatrics 52

Pediatrics Seizures CPR Hospitals 52

Taming the SRU

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Several definitions have been set forth for this common injury, with perhaps the most well accepted definition being introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization. The history should focus on both the events surrounding the traumatic event, as well as current symptomatology. 3, 2019, pp.

Head Injuries 59

Head Injuries Emergency Department Seizures Pediatrics 59

Taming the SRU

MARCH 14, 2023

He appears well and is triaged to an ESI 4. Case 2 19 year old seizure A 19-year-old male is brought into your emergency department via EMS for witnessed seizure-like activity. The seizure abated with rectal diazepam given by the squad. You notice a med-alert bracelet with the patient’s name and the word “SEIZURES.”

Seizures 52

Seizures Emergency Department Pediatrics Critical Access 52

Northwestern EM Blog

JANUARY 10, 2022

For those well-appearing neurologically intact hyponatremia patients w/ sodium levels > 120, further work-up & analysis of the underlying etiology can be deferred to the inpatient side. Hypertonic saline is not only indicated for seizures, coma, suspected cerebral herniation or focal neurological deficits as noted above.

Administration 52

Administration Seizures Emergency Department Wellness 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 15, 2024

The ECG more clearly demonstrates: Large area under the curve of the T waves in II, II, and aVF as well as V5 and V6 relative to the QRS complexes Straight, angulated ST segments in these same leads Depressed ST segments in V2-V3 (as would be expected in posterior OMI) Cardiology took the patient for immediate angiography.

EKG/ECG 64

EKG/ECG Wellness Point-of-Care Testing Shock 64

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 18, 2019

This was the etiology of seizures. No more abnormal U-waves == MY Comment, by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 11/18/2019 ): == LOTS of great points regarding use of the ECG in association with electrolyte abnormalities. Anterior leads, such as V2 and V3 — as well as lead II — often show U waves best, though they may appear in any lead.

EKG/ECG 52

EKG/ECG Seizures Stroke Wellness 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 19, 2019

Although the QT is very long, long QT due to hypocalcemia is rarely associated with Torsades de Pointes. == Comment by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 3/19/2019 ): == There are a number of ECG patterns that should immediately suggest a clinical diagnosis. Here was a repeat ECG: QTc 523. Long ST segment remains. This is one of them!

EKG/ECG 52

EKG/ECG Seizures Stroke Operations 52

Taming the SRU

MARCH 31, 2023

of emergency medicine residents report 1 or more dimensions of burnout (Lin Annals Emerg Med 2019) Moral Injury with COVID “We pushed aside our fear and frustration to focus on saving the patients in front of us; we kept our eyes open, and our feelings closed.

Allergic Reactions 40

Allergic Reactions Seizures Anaphylaxis Leadership 40

EMDocs

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

They increase the risks of hypoxia and acidosis during the apneic period as well as hypotension and hypoperfusion caused by the abrupt transition from negative-pressure to positive-pressure ventilation (10). Contraindicated seizures or porphyria. 2019, 64:617-28. Minimal histamine release. Cons: Short duration of action.

Emergency Department 92

Emergency Department Soft Tissue Injuries Airway Management Operations 92

Taming the SRU

APRIL 17, 2023

Thankfully, some of the more common and/or dangerous plant poisonings have been well-categorized, and are summarized below. Deadly Nightshade and Jimson Weed are well known among the poisonous plants. Severe cases may result in seizures or coma. Tapia López, Rosalinda (23 August 2019). Now that is an interesting consult!

Poisoning 52

Poisoning Hyperthermia / Hypothermia Anaphylaxis Pediatrics 52

Downeast Emergency Medicine

APRIL 26, 2021

We know that if administered too rapidly, it can lead to hypotension and other adverse effects including seizures, headaches, backache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, anaphylaxis, impaired color vision, and other visual disturbances.[1] Lastly, the use of TXA is not without risk.

Head Injuries 52

Head Injuries Administration Outcomes Seizures 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 23, 2019

This is 50-something who presented after a seizure and was unconscious and tachycardic: There is a wide complex, followed by a narrow complex, followed by a wide complex. What is the diagnosis? The rate is 174. The rhythm alternates between a wide complex (first 4 beats, and beats 16-28) and narrow complex (beats 5-15). There are no P-waves.

EKG/ECG 52

EKG/ECG Seizures Wellness 52

Don't Forget the Bubbles

JULY 26, 2023

A cardiac family history should of course be sought, but think a little outside the box as well. Some families have unexplained deaths during sporting events, an unusual number of car accidents, seizures in someone without a formal diagnosis of epilepsy. On arrival at hospital the child was well with normal observations.

EKG/ECG 98

EKG/ECG Hospitals Shock Documentation/Coding 98

EB Medicine

AUGUST 1, 2018

Jeff: Medicinally, cannabinoids are currently used in the treatment of chronic pain syndromes, complications of multiple sclerosis and paraplegia, weight loss due to appetite suppression in HIV/aids, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, seizures, and many other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Seizures 40

Seizures Hyperthermia / Hypothermia Administration Dehydration 40

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 2, 2019

And more cases, if you want, at this link. == My Comment, by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 3/2/2019 ): == The importance of this case lies in recognition of a number of findings, and the differential diagnoses that these findings should evoke. Biphasic T-waves in a Middle-Aged Male with Vomiting Diabetic Ketoacidosis: is there hypokalemia?

EKG/ECG 52

EKG/ECG Operations Seizures Stroke 52

EMDocs

JULY 3, 2023

4 Common symptoms of SAH on presentation include vomiting, neck stiffness, altered mental status or decreased level of consciousness, hemiparesis, and seizure-like activity. 18 Seizure Seizure is common in the setting of acute SAH, especially spontaneous SAH, due to cerebral and meningeal irritation.

Seizures 98

Seizures Stroke Outcomes EMS 98

Don't Forget the Bubbles

MAY 15, 2023

Signs and symptoms in this group are often non-specific and can include irritability, hypotonia, lethargy, jitteriness, temperature instability, poor feeding, vomiting, apnoea and seizures. Previously well child? “ Pregnancy was uncomplicated and he was well after birth. Physical examination: Joey is well-grown.

Wellness 103

Wellness Seizures Hospitals Dehydration 103

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 5, 2019

How well does the computer interpretation perform? -- in this case, the computer diagnosed STEMI but the patient had Fever with Brugada _ _ Fever and Brugada-- Important articles The literature below shows that fever-induced Brugada is indeed a high risk for an arrhythmic event. Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology 2019.

EKG/ECG 52

EKG/ECG Hyperthermia / Hypothermia Seizures Documentation/Coding 52

EB Medicine

FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Gabrielle Procopio, a PharmD, have done a fantastic job parsing through the literature, which included over 500 abstracts, 89 full text articles, guidelines from ACEP and the American Academy of Neurology, as well as canadian and european neurology guidelines, to summarize the best evidence based recommendations for you all.

Emergency Department 40

Emergency Department Stroke Outcomes Ultrasounds 40

EMDocs

JUNE 14, 2023

This leads to an enhanced, as well as a prolonged predominant cholinergic effect. Used for treatment of acutely symptomatic anxiety, muscle fasciculations, and seizures. Farmers treating sheep for parasites may be symptomatic after exposure, an illness called Dipper’s Flu. 1 Avoid cholinergic agents that will exacerbate symptoms.

PPE 95

PPE Poisoning Seizures Emergency Department 95

EMDocs

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

2019) argue against a minimum NIHSS score to trigger the use of CTA, instead purporting that clinical suspicion of acute ischemic stroke presenting within 24 hours of the last known well was sufficient evidence to order the study. Stroke 2019, 50 (2), 365-372. Emerg Radiol 2019, 26 (2), 139-143. 8 The data in Mayer et al.

Stroke 105

Stroke Radiology Radiology Emergency Department 105

Pediatric EM Morsels

OCTOBER 6, 2023

(Forster, 2021) Transmission is by Fecal-Oral route (Chiodini 2018) Incubation period 6-30 days after exposure (Chiodini 2018) Salmonella typhi produces an endotoxin although its clinical significance is not yet well understood (Gibani 2019) Two typhoid vaccines are available for those > 6 m/o and are 50-80% effective.

Pediatrics 164

Pediatrics CDC Seizures Documentation/Coding 164

Don't Forget the Bubbles

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

They were a well-grown, term infant born in good condition. Infants usually present in a non-specific manner, following an apnoea, cough, cyanosis, or seizure so a high index of suspicion is required in this age group. The other investigations are unremarkable, including a normal CT head. Sounding familiar? Clin Infect Dis. Pathog Dis.

Pediatrics 59

Pediatrics Outcomes Blood Transfusions Sepsis 59

Don't Forget the Bubbles

JULY 5, 2023

SCD, therefore, is not only a mechanical disease but there are also many other cellular and plasma factors as well as endothelial interaction that generate chronic inflammation. Do not use pethidine since it can cause seizures and CNS hyperexcitability. 2019, 3 rd edition. Alternatives to morphine are hydromorphone or fentanyl.

Blood Transfusions 126

Blood Transfusions Stroke Dehydration Sepsis 126