January 15, 2012

Once cervical spine injury is ruled out after a head injury, concussion assessment tools can be used for further evaluation and later to assess recovery. Athletes who sustain a concussion should commit to cognitive and physical rest until fully recovered, and then a graded…

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adolescents and adults for depression, but there is insufficient evidence to provide a recommendation for children. If screening instruments suggest depression is present, the diagnosis should be confirmed using…

Initial evaluation should determine whether the seizure is simple or complex and identify the source of fever. Routine blood tests, neuroimaging, and electroencephalography are not recommended. Parents should be reassured that the risk of long-term effects is low. However…

Cutaneous malignant melanoma can occur de novo or in a preexisting nevus; therefore, close examination of all nevi on a patient is necessary. Any suspicious pigmented lesion should be biopsied; appropriate methods include deep shave, punch, and excisional biopsy. Because early…

Congress Provides Near-Level Funding for Primary Care Training Programs | CMS Project to Test Home Health Delivery for Patients with Chronic Diseases | Bill Establishes Pilot Project for Distributing GME Funds in Nonhospital Settings | CMS Delays Enforcement of 5010 Version of…

In recent years, there have been significant and progressive changes in the evaluation, management, and return-to-play principles of sports concussions. Today, the medical community manages each case individually by applying guidelines that are based on the best scientific…

A discussion of why the conclusion of a high-profile study, which suggests that antibiotics are beneficial in children six to 23 months of age with acute otitis media, is incorrect.

Screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality in women 40 to 49 years of age who have an average risk of breast cancer.

What are the effects of treatments for proximal and isolated calf DVT? What are the effects of treatments for pulmonary embolism? What are the effects of interventions on oral anticoagulation management in persons with thromboembolism?

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

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends prophylactic ocular topical medication for all newborns for the prevention of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum.

Case study: You are called to an emergent but uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery at 38 weeks' gestation. The mother is 19 years of age, with a history of heroin use and multiple sex partners. She has not received medical care for the past few years.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 5 percent of U.S adults and is the third leading cause of death. The American College of Physicians (ACP) recently updated its 2007 guideline on the diagnosis and management of stable COPD to include new…

A concussion is an injury to your brain. It happens when the brain shakes rapidly in the skull. You can get a concussion even if your head isn't injured directly. Concussions often happen after hitting your head, being in a car crash, or getting a sporting injury.

It is a dangerous form of skin cancer that can spread throughout your body if you don't get treatment.