Management of Erythema Multiforme in the Urgent Care Setting
Urgent message: With the increasing use of medications, especially antibiotics, more and more patients are presenting to urgent care with erythema multiforme. Correct diagnosis and identification of the underlying cause can result in rapid clinical resolution of the lesions. Shailendra Kapoor, MD Descriptions of erythema multiforme (EM) first appeared in the work of Albert and Bazin in 1822, but it was not until 1866 that von Hebra categorized these erythematous eruptions and labeled them “erythema …
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May 2007
The Dizzy Patient in the Urgent Care Setting
Urgent message: “Dizziness” can prove to be one of the more vexing complaints encountered in urgent care. To provide appropriate care, the clinician must understand whether the patient is experiencing near-syncope, disequilibrium, ill-defined light-headedness, or vertigo. Martin Samuels, MD, DSc (hon), FAAN, MACP The problem of dizziness can be one of the most exasperating in the practice of medicine. Physicians all know that sinking feeling elicited by the patient who sits down and, when one …
Read MoreApril 2007
March 2007
February 2007
December 2006
Urticaria and Angioedema
Urgent message: Patients often present to urgent care with symptoms associated with urticaria and angioedema. Identifying the probable cause can provide relief of symptoms and abate patient concerns. Urticaria and angioedema are rarely life threatening, but they are extremely disruptive to quality of life and sleep. In addition, hives may be alarming and lead patients to wonder if something serious is afoot. Swelling of the tongue or throat is particularly likely to be the source …
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Syncope-Evaluation and Management in an Urgent Care Setting
Urgent message: When a patient presents to urgent care after a syncopal event, the clinician’s charge is to determine whether the episode was of benign or potentially life-threatening etiology and whether the patient should be transferred for further evaluation. Introduction Syncope is a sudden, transient loss of consciousness with a loss of postural tone (typically, falling). It results from an abrupt, transient, and diffuse cerebral malfunction and is quickly followed by spontaneous recovery. The term …
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