August 15, 2010

Although symptoms are often nonspecific, dizziness usually can be classified as vertigo, disequilibrium, presyncope, or lightheadedness. Simple physical examination tests can be performed to reproduce symptoms, which help narrow the differential diagnosis.

Diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension requires a detailed history, a thorough physical examination, and a high index of suspicion. Confirmatory testing with right heart catheterization is required. Newer treatment options include prostacyclin analogues, endothelin…

Radiation therapy may produce adverse effects, such as depression, dermatitis, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal toxicity, and genitourinary symptoms. Early adverse effects usually resolve within six weeks, whereas late adverse effects do not appear until years after…

Prostatitis syndrome is subdivided into four types: acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic. The approach to tdiagnosis and treatment varies depending on the type of prostatitis.

Millions of people are using social media networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, including health professionals and patients who exchange information and insights about topics relevant to family medicine. We are pleased to announce that AFP has joined the dialogue by launching…

Agencies Release Final Rules on “Meaningful Use” of EHRs | AAMC Report Gives Guidelines for Managing Conflicts of Interest | ABFM Announces Further Enhancements to Maintenance of Certification for FPs | FDA Expert Panel Members Split on How to Address Rosiglitazone Safety…

A more aggressive approach to screening for hyperbilirubinemia does not have good evidence to support it, nor is it justified to abandon what we have been taught just because there is insufficient evidence at this time. In this case, a middle ground is best: continuing current…

What are the effects of treatments to reduce relapse rates in persons with schizophrenia? What are the effects of interventions in persons with schizophrenia who are resistant to standard antipsychotics? What are the effects of interventions to improve adherence to medication?

AWS may be managed with outpatient therapy if the patient has mild to moderate symptoms.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend screening infants for hyperbilirubinemia to prevent chronic bilirubin encephalopa.

Case study: K.J. is a full-term newborn male who was born 24 hours ago after an uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery. His parents, who are Asian American, have been attending your practice for five years. K.J. does not appear jaundiced on examination.

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

The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) released a guideline on the assessment and management of chronic pain in adults and physiologically mature adolescents 16 to 18 years of age.

Dizziness is one of the most common reasons why people visit their doctors. Dizziness may make you feel off-balance, wobbly, lightheaded, or like you might faint. Vertigo is a common type of dizziness that makes you feel like things are moving or spinning around you.

Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer. It is done by a machine that makes high-energy waves that destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used for cancers of the skin, head and neck, breast, prostate, cervix, and colon. It can be used to shrink the cancer before…