Emergency Medicine Archives - Page 7 of 8

Book Review: Toxicology Handbook (2011) by Lindsay Murray

4 October, 201421 May, 2012 by Mark Yoffe, MD

Toxicology Handbook (2011) by Lindsay Murray, Frank Daly, Mark Little, and Mike Cadogan is a straightforward guide to the management of numerous common and rare overdoses and toxidromes. Each toxin in described in terms of risk assessment, clinical features, investigations, management, disposition and follow-up, handy tips, pitfalls and controversies. The “controversies” section is particularly welcome. As Dr. Otis Brawley once said (paraphrased): … Read more

Back Pain: a “Worst First” Approach

17 July, 201516 May, 2012 by Mark Yoffe, MD

When it comes to back pain, think of the worst, i.e. the most dangerous ones, first. That way you won’t miss anything critical, either in real life or on the Boards. Cardiovascular Upper back pain: consider acute coronary syndrome or thoracic aortic dissection Lower back pain: consider abdominal aortic aneurism or rupture (older smoker) and retroperitoneal hematoma. … Read more

Bradycardia and Sinus Node Dysfunction: an Internal Medicine Approach

21 July, 201515 May, 2012 by Mark Yoffe, MD

Definitions Sinus node dysfunction may include sinus bradycardia, sinus pauses, sinus exit block, sinus arrest, tachy-brady syndrome, persistent atrial standstill and chronotropic incompetence. Symptoms, when present, are usually related to cerebral hypoperfusion. These include dizziness, presyncope, and syncope. Other symptoms include congestive heart failure, fatigue, decrease exercise capacity, recurrent falls, confusion, memory loss, and palpitations or stroke (if … Read more

ECG Pocket Brain (2011) by Ken Grauer MD

4 October, 201414 May, 2012 by Mark Yoffe, MD

There are many hundreds of EKG books in existence, but I can probably count on one or two hands those that I would consider exceptionally good. ECG Pocket Brain by (2011) by Ken Grauer MD is one of the best. You can download a generously-sized excerpt for free here. The book is concise, relevant and very easy to … Read more

Syncope: Differential Diagnosis and Workup

12 October, 201911 May, 2012 by Mark Yoffe, MD

Introduction Syncope is an abrupt, transient, spontaneously-resolving loss of consciousness and postural tone caused by a transient drop in cerebral perfusion. It is a descriptive and an interim diagnosis which requires further clarification. The first step Syncope should be distinguished from alternative causes of loss of consciousness and postural tone. Syncope mimics include seizures, concussions, sleep (both normal … Read more

Toxic and Drug-Induced Changes of the Electrocardiogram by Catalina Lionte, et al.

3 October, 201419 April, 2012 by Mark Yoffe, MD

Toxic and Drug-Induced Changes of the Electrocardiogram by Catalina Lionte, et al. is an excellent chapter about the role of electrocardiography in toxicological diagnosis. It comes from the book Advances in Electrocardiograms – Clinical Applications (2012). The chapter can be accessed online free here or here. The book can be accessed free here. Some of the electrocardiogram are really … Read more

Book Review: 2011 EMRA Antibiotic Guide by Brian J. Levine MD

28 July, 201520 June, 2011 by Mark Yoffe, MD

I’ve been looking for a book like this for years before I finally stumbled upon this one. 2011 EMRA Antibiotic Guide (2010), by Brian J. Levine MD is a simple, straightforward 128-page guide to antibiotic therapy. For almost any infectious disease, the text advises you about which antibiotic to use, along with the appropriate dose, route, frequency … Read more