Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to V Y Totten.
This article discusses the art of medicine as it relates to effective teaching. Valuable contributions to such teaching are made through applying ethical considerations to situations unique to emergency medicine. The author includes several appendices for further information on this vital topic.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of the use of neuroleptic medications. It is of interest to emergency physicians because rapid recognition of NMS will improve patient outcome and prevent inappropriate treatment. NMS shares features with malignant hyperthermia, serotonin syndrome, lethal catatonia, and heat stroke. We describe a patient with NMS who presented to our institution without initial fever. We review the literature, the classic presentation of NMS, the risk factors, and the morbidity. We discuss the differential diagnosis and the treatment recommendations from the literature.
"Locked" or dislocated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a common problem in emergency medicine. Like many other joint dislocations, the repositioning of the joint can be facilitated by conscious sedation and muscular relaxation. Propofol is a useful agent for use in the emergency department because of its extremely short half-life, its antiemetic properties, and its safety record. We report two cases of locked TMJ that were repositioned under sedation with propofol. We review methods for repositioning the locked TMJ and review appropriate agents for sedation and muscular relaxation.
We review the anatomy and physiology of the ankle joint with attention to the structures most likely to be injured. We discuss the epidemiology of ankle injuries and their physical and radiographic evaluation, including the Ottawa Ankle Rules. Treatment, consultation, and pitfalls are followed by more specific discussions of tendonitis, Achilles tendon injury, tendonous subluxations, tarsal tunnel syndrome, sonovial impingement, and injury to the os trigonum. The references provide a guide for further reading.
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of whole-body spinal immobilization on respiration. METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover laboratory study with 39 human volunteer subjects (20 males; 19 females) ranging in age from 7 to 85 years. Respiratory function was measured three times: at baseline (seated or lying), immobilized with a Philadelphia collar on a hard wooden backboard, and on a Scandinavian vacuum mattress with a vacuum collar. The comfort levels of each of the two methods were assessed on a forced Likert scale. RESULTS: Both immobilization methods restricted respiration, 15% on the average. The effects were similar under the two immobilization conditions, although the FEV1 was lower on the vacuum mattress. Respiratory restriction was more pronounced at the extremes of age. The vacuum mattress was significantly more comfortable. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the previously reported respiratory restriction caused by spinal immobilization. Vacuum mattresses are more comfortable than wooden backboards.