Most chief complaints generate a clear Differential Diagnosis (Ddx) list in your mind. There are the well-known, “big ticket” issues that need to be considered (Abdominal Pain -> Appendicitis; Chest Pain -> Pericarditis; Headache -> Meningitis) as well as the…
In the Emergency Department, we are constantly juggling large lists of differential diagnoses. We become facile at sorting through the vast Ddx for seizures (ex, simple febrile seizures, complex seizures, neonatal seizures, eclampsia, seizure mimics) and syncope (ex, hair grooming…
One of the refreshing aspects of taking care of children is that, generally, they don’t have a mile long list of medications or an extensive known past medical history, unlike their adult counterparts. Unfortunately, this generality can lead us to become…
Managing seizures in pediatric patients is a common occurrence in the Emergency Department. We have discussed seizure related issues in the past: Seizure Mimics, Neonatal Seizures, Simple Febrile Seizures, and Complex Febrile Seizures. Some seizures require us to remember unique pediatric…
Tobacco smoke is a health hazard for children (and us children of all ages). We know this. So it seems like movement away for cigarettes is good for everyone; however, the thirst for nicotine is still quite strong and is…
We have previously addressed the notion that “Not All That Shakes is a Seizure.” Often, just by witnessing the “shaking” it is possible to lower the concern for seizures; however, refrain from being dismissive, as there are a number of…
Few things will frighten parents more than seeing their child appear to shake all over. Fortunately, many times seizure activity is due to benign causes like simple febrile seizures. Unfortunately, our job is quite difficult and we need to deal…