Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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The diagnosis of acute scrotal pain can be difficult. The most common causes include torsion of a testicular appendage, epididymitis, and testicular torsion, which account for 85% to 90% of all cases. ⋯ Diagnostic accuracy without delay is required to avoid the loss of testicular function in testicular torsion cases and to avoid unnecessary surgery in other cases. A thorough understanding of the key clinical features of each entity, coupled with an understanding of the appropriate use of perfusion imaging studies, will equip the emergency physician with the tools to accomplish this task.
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Dizziness is a common but difficult symptom to evaluate because, due to its subjective nature, it is virtually impossible to measure objectively. In essence, dizziness means different things to different people. ⋯ After taking a detailed history, the clinician should perform a thorough physical examination with emphasis on determining whether the dizziness is vestibular or nonvestibular in origin. Patient disposition is determined by the prognosis of the underlying cause and the presence of support mechanisms.