July 1, 2007

The etiologies of nausea and vomiting include iatrogenic or infectious causes, gastrointestinal disorders, and central nervous system or psychiatric conditions, and can often be determined from a comprehensive history and physical examination. Evaluation should focus first on…

This progressive condition causes the fibrous tissue of the palmar fascia to shorten and thicken, which slowly progresses to contracture of the fingers. Treatment decisions should be based on the extent of the contracture and functional impairment.

Diagnosis of cysticercosis in the United States requires a high index of suspicion. Symptoms can include seizures, headaches, focal neurologic symptoms, visual disturbances, skeletal muscle nodules, and pain.

This article provides answers to many questions medical students ask about the specialty of family medicine. It discusses the benefits of primary care and family medicine to communities, the education and training of family physicians, the scope of medical practice in the…

One of the things that distinguishes AFP from most other medical journals is the quality of our medical illustrations. It was what set AFP apart 60 years ago, and it continues to be an industry standard of which we are proud. For this, we're indebted to a special and very…

Medical Malpractice Legislation Gains Traction in House, Senate | PQRI Allows Physicians to Qualify for 1.5 Percent Medicare Bonus | Special Constituency Representatives Tackle Diverse Issues | War Funding Bill Halts CMS Proposal to End Medicaid Graduate Education | IRS Ruling…

Will a short walk help curb your patients' nicotine cravings? Study results published in Addiction suggest that it could. The authors of the study reviewed 12 articles showing that exercising for five minutes or more may reduce cigarette cravings. Brisk walking was also shown…

Although the primary objective of American Family Physician is to provide updates on clinical conditions managed by family physicians, the journal periodically addresses matters pertinent to the future of the specialty. The article by Dr. McGaha and colleagues in this issue of…

The racial/ethnic composition of U.S. medical schools does not reflect the U.S. population. With proper planning, the current medical school expansion could improve physician diversity and reduce health disparities.

Studies comparing ACE inhibitors or ARBs with placebo found no mortality benefit in patients with diabetic kidney disease. A subgroup analysis of five studies (2,034 total patients) found that, when given at full or maximally tolerated doses, ACE inhibitors reduce all-cause…

The effects of exercise interventions on functional outcomes are unclear, but there is a trend toward functional improvement. Multidisciplinary interventions that include exercise also show several other benefits, including reduction in length of hospitalization and hospital…

This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on routine aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the primary prevention of colorectal cancer and the supporting scientific evidence.

What are the effects of drug and nondrug treatments for chronic tension-type headache?

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

A comprehensive, detailed history and physical examination with pulse oximetry and nondilated funduscopy (to look for traumatic retinal hemorrhage) helps to determine the underlying etiology of an ALTE in 70 percent of infants.

This complex scenario poses many challenges. At first glance, it seems to just be about prayer—should the physician pray with a patient? However, on closer inspection it becomes clear that this scenario is about successfully balancing the patient's beliefs and stated needs with…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne rickettsial diseases. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), and Ehrlichia ewingii…

AAN Guidelines on Reporting Medical Conditions That May Affect Driving Competency

Thienopyridine therapy is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for patients who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Prematurely discontinuing antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of stent thrombosis…

Dupuytren's (du-pwe-TRAHZ) disease is when skin on your hand thickens and shortens. A small, hard bump will appear on your palm. The bump doesn't hurt, but it will get bigger, and it may start to pull some of your fingers toward your palm (see drawing).

Cysticercosis (sis-tuh-ser-KO-sis) is an infection caused by tapeworm eggs. When the eggs enter the body, they form cysts, usually in the brain, but sometimes in the muscles or eyes.