What is the Difference Between Delirium and Dementia?
Conclusion
Since senior citizens are susceptible to delirium due to several of its causes, it is important to focus on the preventable ones, so it doesn’t develop. Along with preventing delirium, eliminating some causes many also prevent some forms of dementia.
What are your experiences in caring for loved ones with delirium or dementia? We encourage you to share with us in the comment section below. (Source: Shield My Senior)
Source: Shield My Senior - May 17, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Stevie Compango Tags: Senior Safety Source Type: blogs
Vitamin C and Sepsis: Resist the Urge to be Duped.
My Facebook feed has been buzzing with news of a breakthrough in the treatment of sepsis–a deadly condition caused by bacterial infection.
Do not be fooled. Please. Resist the urge to be duped.
A recent study published in the prestigious journal Chest concluded that a combination of high-dose vitamin C, anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and thiamine given to patients with sepsis “may prove to be effective.”
NPR covered the story — the headline exuded hope: Doctor Turns Up Possible Treatment For Deadly Sepsis.
The excitement surrounding this preliminary and inconclusive report is instructive on how o...
Source: Dr John M - March 26, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr John Source Type: blogs
Pellagra and spinal myoclonus
Park K, Oeda T, Sawada H. A case of alcoholic pellegra encephalopathy presenting with spinal myoclonus. Neurology Clinical Practice 5; 472-3. The authors present a case of alcoholic pellagra with confusion and myoclonus responding dramatically to administration of niacin1500 mg per day starting 16 days after admission. Essential points include: 1. Pellagra is rare in US but not in alcoholics2. Dermatitis may be subtle and not appreciated3. Thiamine and niacin levels may be normal4. Thiamine may cause worsening due to increased demand for niacin5. Myoclonus in context is impo...
Source: neurologyminutiae - January 4, 2016 Category: Neurology Source Type: blogs
Wheat Watch: Greenies
Here’s a post aimed at our canine and feline friends.
“Greenies: The #1 Vet-Recommended Dental Chews and Treats.” That’s what the people who manufacture Greenies dental chews for dogs and cats claim.
But, for those of you trying to keep your dog or cat wheat- and grain-free, Greenies dental chews, purported to clean their teeth, are filled with wheat and rice, among their top ingredients:
Ingredients in Dog chews:
Wheat flour, wheat protein isolate, glycerin, gelatin, oat fiber, water, lecithin, natural poultry flavor, minerals (dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, magnesiu...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - December 2, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Wheat Belly Lifestyle dental decay gluten grains rice Source Type: blogs
‘To Alcohol! The Cause of, and Solution to, All of Life's Problems’
A 37-year-old woman is brought into the emergency department by EMS after being found down next to a bottle of an unknown substance. (See photo.) Her family said she was initially tearful and repeatedly mumbling, “I’m sorry,” and became progressively less responsive.
She was obtunded and intubated for airway protection upon arrival to the ED. Her initial vital signs were a temperature of 98.8°F, heart rate 110 bpm, blood pressure 187/118 mm Hg, respiratory rate 22 bpm, and pulse oximetry 98% on ventilator. Initial ABG reveals a pH 6.89, pCO2 16, pO2 174, and bicarbonate 3.1. Pertinent lab results include a meta...
Source: The Tox Cave - August 3, 2015 Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs
‘To Alcohol! The Cause of, and Solution to, All of Life's Problems’
A 37-year-old woman is brought into the emergency department by EMS after being found down next to a bottle of an unknown substance. (See photo.) Her family said she was initially tearful and repeatedly mumbling, “I’m sorry,” and became progressively less responsive.
She was obtunded and intubated for airway protection upon arrival to the ED. Her initial vital signs were a temperature of 98.8°F, heart rate 110 bpm, blood pressure 187/118 mm Hg, respiratory rate 22 bpm, and pulse oximetry 98% on ventilator. Initial ABG reveals a pH 6.89, pCO2 16, pO2 174, and bicarbonate 3.1. Pertinent lab results include a metabo...
Source: The Tox Cave - August 3, 2015 Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs
Study on Potential Toxicity of E-Cigarette Flavorings Produces Unwarranted Scare
A study published in the journal Tobacco Control this past April has produced an unwarranted scare about the potential toxicity of the flavorings in electronic cigarettes.(See: Tierney PA, et al. Flavour chemicals in electronic cigarette fluids. Tobacco Control. Published online ahead of print on April 15, 2015. DOI: 0.1136/tobaccocontrol-2014-052175.)The study used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to analyze the chemical constituents in e-liquids of various flavors. It appears that 30 different e-liquid flavors were tested. Multiple flavors of two brands of disposable e-cigarettes (Blu and NJOY) were tested along with...
Source: The Rest of the Story: Tobacco News Analysis and Commentary - July 16, 2015 Category: Addiction Source Type: blogs
Is Bare Minerals 100% Natural lipstick worth the hype?
Bandana asks…Since I’ve been trying to get pregnant over the last year, I’ve become more concerned about toxicity. I probably eat a sizeable amount of lipstick. I am not your usual “organic” type, but I was surprised to see the list of ingredients for my favorite lipstick, Avon’s Beyond Color Plumping Lipstick. Are organic lipsticks worth the hype?? I’ve seen that Bare Minerals has a natural lipstick, but I’m not feeling $25 per tube. I’m more of a drugstore type girl. I’m not loaded with money and don’t want to be more paranoid than I should be.
The Beauty Brains responds
“Regular” lipstick like...
Source: thebeautybrains.com - January 18, 2015 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Randy Schueller Tags: Natural Safety Source Type: blogs
Go For the Gold
A 44-year-old-man with a past medical history of alcohol abuse was brought to the emergency department by EMS. He was found sleeping on a bench and appeared intoxicated. His initial vital signs were temperature 90.9°F, heart rate 62 bpm, blood pressure 130/84 mm Hg, respiratory rate 16 bpm, and pulse oximetry 98% on room air. He is disheveled patient, and has a depressed level of consciousness, slurred speech, and the distinct odor of mint and urine. Pertinent lab findings include an ethanol level of 340 mg/dL.
The minty odor is tipoff in this case that he is inebriated from mouthwash. The ethanol concentration in mout...
Source: The Tox Cave - January 2, 2015 Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs
Go For the Gold
A 44-year-old-man with a past medical history of alcohol abuse was brought to the emergency department by EMS. He was found sleeping on a bench and appeared intoxicated. His initial vital signs were temperature 90.9°F, heart rate 62 bpm, blood pressure 130/84 mm Hg, respiratory rate 16 bpm, and pulse oximetry 98% on room air. He is disheveled patient, and has a depressed level of consciousness, slurred speech, and the distinct odor of mint and urine. Pertinent lab findings include an ethanol level of 340 mg/dL.
The minty odor is tipoff in this case that he is inebriated from mouthwash. The ethanol concentration in mo...
Source: The Tox Cave - January 2, 2015 Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs
The Shadow Boxer
Conclusion
The patient was admitted to a monitored setting with a diagnosis of GHB withdrawal. He had multiple episodes of agitation and combativeness during his admission. He was administered escalating doses of diazepam, a total of 480 mg of diazepam IV during his eight-day hospital stay. The patient recovered in eight days, and was referred to drug rehabilitation.
References
1. Dyer JE, Roth B, Hyma BA. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal syndrome. Ann Emerg Med 2001;37(2):147.
2. Tarabar AF, Nelson LS. The gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal syndrome. Toxicol Rev 2004;23(1):45.
3. Craig K, Gomez HF, et al. Severe g...
Source: The Tox Cave - October 2, 2014 Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs
The Shadow Boxer
Conclusion
The patient was admitted to a monitored setting with a diagnosis of GHB withdrawal. He had multiple episodes of agitation and combativeness during his admission. He was administered escalating doses of diazepam, a total of 480 mg of diazepam IV during his eight-day hospital stay. The patient recovered in eight days, and was referred to drug rehabilitation.
References
1. Dyer JE, Roth B, Hyma BA. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal syndrome. Ann Emerg Med 2001;37(2):147.
2. Tarabar AF, Nelson LS. The gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal syndrome. Toxicol Rev 2004;23(1):45.
3. Craig K, Gomez HF, et al. Severe gamma-h...
Source: The Tox Cave - October 2, 2014 Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs
The Tooth Decay Index
Source: BestMedicalDegrees.comThe Tooth Decay IndexDid you know that starchy, refined carbohydrates–foods like chip, bread, pasta, and crackers — can be as harmful to teeth as candy? What about how important saliva is to tooth health? Find out how with out tooth decay index!You are what you eat, your teeth are too. The pH Scale affects bad breath, tooth decayCommon pH values:pHBattery acid 1.0Gastric acid 2.0Lemon juice 2.4Cola 2.5Vinegar 2.9Orange or apple juice 3.5Beer 4.5Acid rain < 5.6Coffee 5.0Tea 5.5Milk 6.5 Normal pH level of mouth 6.5Pure water 7.0Healthy human saliva 5 – 8Blood 7.35 – 7.45Sea water 8...
Source: Dental Technology Blog - August 18, 2014 Category: Dentists Source Type: blogs
Random tips for new interns
The following are my opinions only. As I have done ward attending rounds since January 1980, I have developed some thoughts about helping new interns. Some practicing physicians may enjoy this list also. The list is not inclusive, but rather what comes to mind today.
1. CKD is not a diagnosis without providing the stage. If you do not know the staging system and the implications of that system, this Annals of Internal Medicine summary article is free – Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease: Synopsis of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline
2. CKD staging ...
Source: DB's Medical Rants - July 4, 2013 Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Authors: rcentor Tags: Medical Rants Source Type: blogs
Does crushing up and mixing prenatal vitamins into shampoo really help hair?
Huang says….I’ve just finished reading The Beauty Aisle Insider (greeeat book btw!), and now I have a new unanswered question! I learned via your book the interesting fact that the hair we see and feel is not alive, so that got me to thinking about previously hearing some folks rave about crushing up prenatal vitamins and mixing it into their shampoo. Given the hair is dead, I don’t imagine it is making much use of this added nutrition, yet people still seem to be seeing a benefit. What gives?
The Beauty Brains respond:
Hi Huang! Thanks for the kind words about our book. (And if anyone else out there would li...
Source: thebeautybrains.com - June 13, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: thebeautybrains Tags: Questions Source Type: blogs
