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ECG Blog #432 — "Should I Shock this Patient?"

Ken Grauer, MD

Doing so will commonly show one or more electrode leads to be loose — OR — the patient to be shaking, trembling, shivering, having a seizure, scratching or other obvious cause of the bizarre deflections seen. The November 10, 2020 post — for PTA. The October 17, 2020 post — for a 70-year old woman with " Artifactual VT ".

Shock 411
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Seizure in a 30 something

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

Her husband called EMS when the patient experienced new onset seizures accompanied by micturition. However, cardiac syncope is always a differential diagnosis when someone presents with first time seizures. There are a number of things to look for in an ECG that can hint at arrhythmia as the cause of an apparent seizure.

Seizures 114
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Choosing Wisely – Investigations for seizures that have returned to baseline

Don't Forget the Bubbles

Do not order laboratory testing or a CT scan of the head for a patient with an unprovoked, generalized seizure or a simple febrile seizure who has returned to baseline mental status. The parents of 18-month-old Susie brought her to the Emergency Department after she had a seizure at home. Investigators found that 99.3%

Seizures 131
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Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in Children and Adolescents

Pediatric EM Morsels

Treat the seizures , but…. Keep in mind that seizure management can be difficult and the patient may not respond to AEDs. 2020 Feb;75:55-62. May see non-specific white and gray matter changes. Pelvic and abdominal imaging to assess for tumor (see below) Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: Treatment Remember your ABCs! 2019.12.016.

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Imported Malaria

Pediatric EM Morsels

falciparum accounts for >70% of cases of imported malaria , primarily seen in those returning from travel in Sub-Saharan Africa (Mischlinger 2020) Other species include P. Worldwide, children <5 years old account for 76% of deaths related to malaria, but these are predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa (WHO 2022) P. vivax , P.

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emDOCs Podcast – Episode 115: Adult Meningitis

EMDocs

Neurologic deficits, seizures, cognitive issues, hearing loss. A 2020 Cochrane review found the pooled sensitivity was 65%. Give acyclovir If there is concern for HSV encephalitis (focal neurologic deficits, seizures, markedly depressed mental status, or immunocompromise) The mortality rate for HSV encephalitis is up to 70%.

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ToxCard: Second Generation Antipsychotic Overdose

EMDocs

1 Seizures may occur due to lowered seizure threshold. 6 Seizures have been observed and are dose-dependent. 1 Benzodiazepines are preferred as the first line of treatment for agitation or seizures. Published 2020. 1,2,6 Neurologic effects: Sedation is a primary concern with overdose. 8 Hypersalivation can occur.

Poisoning 108