American family physician
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Meralgia paresthetica is an uncommon entrapment neuropathy involving the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of the thigh. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and pain in the anterolateral thigh. The condition can be differentiated from other neurologic disorders by the typical exacerbating factors and the characteristic distribution of involvement. The course tends to be one of lifelong flare-ups, but these can usually be successfully managed with a conservative approach.
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The physician needs to know the signs, symptoms and recommended treatments of drug overdoses. Overdose of hallucinogens usually does not require drug therapy. Overdose of amphetamines ("uppers") may be complicated by the presence of PCP, a dissociative substance. It is important for the physician to be familiar with the street terminology for contemporary drugs of abuse and to be aware of how users obtain these drugs.
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Family physicians must often help patients through the grief process. Acute grief may occur with the loss of a loved one or with the loss of physical health. Normal grief has well-defined stages, which help distinguish it from pathologic grief reactions. Familiarity with the grief process allows the physician to intervene when necessary and to facilitate the normal sequence of grieving which, if thwarted, has serious ramifications.
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Migraine is among the most common disorders seen in office practice. Some epidemiologists believe it may occur in up to 25 percent of the general population. Pharmacologic treatment and behavior therapy, as well as a stable physician-patient relationship, are important factors in reducing the frequency and severity of recurrent head pain. Benefits of migraine therapy include improvements in the patient's overall health and sense of well-being.