Sometimes our medical training may steer us astray. Fortunately through our continued education and experience (and maybe a Morsel or seven) we can overcome these shortcomings and detect some of the covert dangerous conditions. Retropharyngeal abscess is a good example:…
We have previously discussed the fact that children are not aliens (the newly born and neonates are almost aliens though), but that we must recognize children as a special population with unique anatomy and physiology. Sometimes those considerations also have…
I know that those of you looking forward to celebrating (in a responsible and socially distant manner) the 4th of July may be expecting a Morsel that is thematically appropriate (ex, Sparkler Injuries). That seems too quaint in times like…
“Weakness” as a complaint has always caused me to feel a bit fatigued. The differential is quite large and sorting through it can be challenging. Is it related to a recent viral infection (ex, Guillain Barre)? Is it due to…
Some complaints are just challenging to decipher. This is particularly true with children. Sometimes our ability to communicate with them can be the issue. Other complaints are more challenging because the physical exam may be difficult to perform. For instance,…
Life is complex and even the common can become complicated. Yes, “simple viruses” can wreck havoc (COVID is certainly reminding us of this now… but let’s not forget Measles and Mumps and Varicella to name a few). Sure pneumonia is…
The child with altered mental status certainly grabs our attention (rightfully so) and we have discussed several related topics. We often consider the infectious concerns (ex, Encephalitis, Meningitis, Sepsis) and traumatic etiologies (ex, head injury, hemorrhagic shock). We are always…