Hypernatraemia is a not a common presentation in ED, as intense thirst often prevents significant hypernatraemia in neurologically intact individuals. So… Mortality rates are high (20-70%) and the severity of hypernatraemia has been shown be an independent predictor of mortality.
However, there is little good data on hypernatremia to base guidance on, and definitions vary within the literature
What is retrobulbar haemorrhage?
We often worry about patients developing rhabdomyolysis and consequently developing AKI. However, there is much debate and little consistency in the published data, over how to diagnose and who needs admission to treat. So its important to consider both clinical context along with laboratory values
In anybody who there is suspicion of a non-traumatic haemorrhage arrange an urgent CT Head.
All patients need IV access and U&E, FBC, Coag
If CT confirms PICH (not traumatic, not SAH): –
If anticoagulated with warfarin or NOAC discuss with stroke consultant and Haematologist regarding reversal
If not anticoagulated give Tranexamic acid – 1g in 100mls Saline/Glucose over 10 mins followed by 1g in 250mls Saline over 6 hours.
BP needs to be <150/80 – use labetalol (max 400mg – until BP <160 or HR <50) and GTN infusion
Not all patients with intracerebral bleeds need referral to neurosurgery – you could save yourself and your patient a lot of time and effort!
Those to refer:
Nose bleeds are a bloody common problem (bad pun intended) – most originating at the front to the nose where there is a cluster of blood vessels – Little’s Area.
In the young the bleeding often starts after trauma (e.g. picking or punching noses). In the elderly however, it is commonly a manifestation of underlying vascular disease. Read more
Mind the Gap is a handbook of clinical signs in black and brown skins
You need to be a bit more suspicious and have a lower threshold for investigation than in patients without Known, Suspected OR Previous Malignancy Read more
The prevalence of diseases transmitted by tick bite have increased in recent years, within the UK. And it is now recognised that there are 3 main infections
