November 15, 2007

Temporomandibular joint disorders are common and often self-limited in the adult population. Only 5 percent of patients require treatment and few develop chronic or debilitating symptoms. Noninvasive therapies should be attempted before pursuing invasive treatments that have…

Breast, prostate, renal, thyroid, and lung carcinomas commonly metastasize to bone. If plain-film radiography is not sufficient for diagnosis, a bone scan may detect occult lesions. Patients who are not at risk for impending fracture can be treated with a combination of…

As long as no “red flags” exist, patients with low back pain should be encouraged to remain as active as possible, minimize bed rest, use ice or heat compresses, take anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications if desired, participate in home exercises, and return to work as…

Diagnosing pericarditis is often a process of exclusion, taking into account changes on electrocardiography, a history of abrupt-onset chest pain, and the presence of a pericardial friction rub. Echocardiography is recommended for most patients to confirm the diagnosis and…

Mind-body therapies such as biofeedback, cognitive behavior therapy, hypnosis, meditation, and relaxation training have been shown to be effective treatments for various types of headache.

The 2007–08 adult immunization schedule from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) appears on page 1558 of this issue of AFP. Changes to this year's schedule include the addition of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil) for young women and…

AAFP Denounces President Bush's Veto of SCHIP Legislation | Legislation Would Publicize Medical Industry Gifts to Physicians | Major Insurers Join Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative | Survey Results Show Demand Growing for Primary Care Physicians | Ruling Requires AMA…

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new recommendations in 2006 for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.1 These far-reaching recommendations are a major revision from the CDC's previous guidelines. They aim to reduce the number of people with…

Testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) became available in 1985 with the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The first test was actually developed to protect the blood supply, not to identify persons who were already infected. The more specific western…

Health-related behavioral counseling can and should be a central offering in the medical home. Primary care practices currently address unhealthy behaviors with their patients, but most practices lack the integrated approaches needed to effectively change these behaviors…

Delirium is a common complication in hospitalized older patients, particularly in those in the intensive care unit.

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

Retapamulin is an effective alternative to topical mupirocin in the treatment of limited-area impetigo in patients older than nine months. Although it is more expensive, retapamulin does have a dosing advantage over mupirocin; it only requires a twice-a-day application for five…

Guideline source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued recommendations that address preparticipation screening in high school and college athletes, which may identify cardiovascular disease (CVD) that could progress or cause sudden death.

The temporomandibular (tem-PUH-ro-man-DIB-yoo-ler) joint, or the TMJ, connects the upper and lower jawbones. This joint allows the jaw to open wide and move back and forth when you chew, talk, or yawn.

Tell your supervisor right away, and see your doctor as soon as possible. Treatment usually consists of cold or heat therapy, pain medicine, and exercise. Keep your employer and your doctor informed about your condition and work status.

Many things can cause headaches. The most common types of headache are migraines and tension headaches. These can be caused by stress, certain foods and drinks, sleep problems, sinus and allergy problems, muscle tension, and mood problems. People with relatives who get migraine…