Over the past few years, we have learned that seemingly minor injuries can cause significant morbidity and, in some cases, even contribute to mortality. Astute emergency providers have learned to look beyond minor complaints and watch for signs of significant problems. Mild traumatic brain injury or concussion is one of the best examples of an injury that has been often dismissed. Post-concussive syndrome was overlooked for many years. Athletes in particular are prone to repeated injury, which we now know contributes to later cognitive impairment and even in some cases death.
Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) refers to the utilization of radiotracers to image regional myocardial perfusion from coronary artery blood flow to the heart muscle. Used effectively, MPI can provide the clinician with a noninvasive technique that yields both important diagnostic and powerful prognostic information regarding the functional significance of anatomic coronary artery disease.
Supplements and herbal medications have extensive worldwide use; in the United States alone, more than $5 billion was spent on herbal supplements in 2012.
Evidence-based updates in primary care medicine By Louis Kuritzky, MD
Supplement to Clinical Cardiology Alert, Clinical Oncology Alert, Critical Care Alert, Hospital Medicine Alert, Infectious Disease Alert, Neurology Alert, OB/GYN Clinical Alert, Primary Care Reports.
This article originally appeared in the August 29, 2013, issue of Internal Medicine Alert