May 15, 2013

Approximately one-half of all adults are affected by a headache disorder. The International Headache Society divides headaches into primary and secondary types, which can help physicians distinguish headaches that are benign from those that may indicate significant pathology…

Sick sinus syndrome is a collection of disorders characterized by the heart's inability to perform its normal pacemaking function. Signs and symptoms may include end-organ hypoperfusion, near-fainting spells, and syncope. Diagnosis requires electrocardiographic findings of…

Although the etiology of ulcerative colitis is not known, genetic, dietary, and environmental risk factors have a role. The diagnosis is suspected clinically and confirmed through endoscopic biopsy. Infectious etiologies must be ruled out. Treatment goals are to induce…

The challenge for physicians is to be aware of the red flag symptoms that identify dangerous headaches, and be able to diagnose and treat a headache that has no focal neurologic abnormalities or warning signs, or is a new, different, persistent, or concerning headache.

Case study: A 55-year-old woman presents for a routine well-woman examination. She states that she is worried about ovarian cancer because one of her friends was recently diagnosed. She has no family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer.

What are the effects of interventions aimed at reducing relapse rates and disability and to improve symptoms during acute relapse in persons with multiple sclerosis? What are the effects of treatments for fatigue and spasticity in persons with multiple sclerosis? What are the…

Cycloset will lower A1C levels by 0.3 to 0.5 percent when taken alone or in combination with a sulfonylurea, without undesirable adverse effects such as hypoglycemia and weight gain. It will not cause further improvement of glucose control when used with insulin, metformin, or…

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

What are the effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of options for diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) that are available in primary care?

AAFP Responds to Draft Proposal on Sustainable Growth Rate Formula, Medicare Payment System | FDA Approves Labeling for Reformulated, Abuse-Deterrent Version of Oxycontin | AAFP Recommends That CMS Create New E/M Codes Exclusively for Primary Care Physicians | CMS Launches…

Guideline source: American Heart Association and American Stroke Association

Approximately two-thirds of women who present with classic symptoms of acute UTI have bacterial infection of the bladder. Dipstick urinalysis moderately improves the accuracy of clinical symptoms in establishing or excluding acute UTI in women.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening for ovarian cancer in women.