December 1, 2012

Hepatitis A is a common viral infection that is spread primarily by food contaminated with fecal matter or by personal contact. Most patients recover within two months, with no lasting complications. Supportive treatment is the main form of care. Immunization to hepatitis A can…

Patients with seasonal affective disorder typically present with depressive symptoms that have a seasonal pattern. Light therapy, pharmacotherapy with second-generation antidepressants, and cognitive behavior therapy have been shown to effectively reduce symptoms. Initiating…

Mild traumatic brain injury is categorized by transient loss of consciousness, amnesia, altered mental status, and neurologic deficits following an acute closed head injury. Symptoms usually improve quickly in most patients, although they may persist for weeks or months in some…

Acute otitis externa is a common condition that causes inflammation of the external ear canal. Treatments include topical antimicrobial preparations and cleaning of the ear canal. Symptoms usually dissipate within 72 hours of treatment, although complete resolution may take…

Update to HEADSS assessment. In the Curbside Consultation “Care of a Sexually Active Adolescent” (September 1, 2012, p. 457), the third line of the first paragraph under the “3. Address Emergent Issues” header (p. 458) mentioned the HEADSS assessment. In 2004, HEADSS was…

The safety and effectiveness of the ketogenic diet for the treatment of epilepsy have been known for decades. However, successful implementation of the diet requires an essential commitment by the patient and his or her family. Compliance with the ketogenic diet involves…

Medical Colleges Association Calls for More Primary Care Residency Positions | Practices Demonstrate Improved Diabetes Care Using PCMH Model and Peer Mentors | ACIP Votes to Recommend Tdap Vaccine for All Pregnant Women | CMS Releases Final Rule to Bring Medicaid Payment Up to…

Administering insulin to maintain glycemic control does not improve the rates of mortality or dependency, or the final neurologic outcome after an acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, in randomized controlled trials, patients in the intervention groups (those under tight…

Compared with placebo or no intervention, the use of combination contraceptives was not associated with weight gain. Most studies comparing different types of combination contraceptives showed no statistically significant effects on weight.

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.

Youth with special health care needs who receive care within a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) are significantly more likely to receive services for transitioning to adult care. Broader implementation of the PCMH may contribute to wider use of health care transition…

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

Decreased sexual activity and sexual dysfunction are common in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and can lead to anxiety and depression. The American Heart Association (AHA) has published a scientific statement synthesizing data relevant to sexual activity and heart…

Hepatitis A is a virus that causes your liver to become swollen. Most people who have it don't show any signs of illness. This can make it hard to tell if you have it. You may not be hungry, or you may feel sick to your stomach. You may be tired or have sore muscles. Bright…

It is an injury to the brain caused by some typeof outside force. It is similar to a concussion.It may result from a fall or car crash, from anobject hitting your head, or it may occur duringsome sports. With this type of injury, a lossof consciousness, amnesia, or changes in…

Error in when to perform a test of cure after gonorrhea treatment. In AAFP News Now: AFP Edition (September 15, 2012, p. 497), the second item on page 498, “CDC Discourages Use of Cefixime in Update on Gonorrhea Treatment,” contained an error in regard to when patients should…