Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2005
Case ReportsTick paralysis: atypical presentation, unusual location.
We present 2 unrelated cases of tick paralysis presenting within a 2-month period in the greater Philadelphia region, a geographic area in which this disease is highly unusual. Our first patient demonstrated early onset of prominent bulbar palsies, an atypical presentation. ⋯ The atypical presentation of our first patient and the further occurrence within a few months of a second patient, both from the Northeastern United States where this diagnosis is rarely made, suggest the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for this disease in patients presenting with acute onset of cranial nerve dysfunction or muscle weakness. Through simple diagnostic and therapeutic measures (ie, careful physical examination to locate and remove the offending tick), misdiagnosis and unnecessary morbidity can be avoided.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2005
Mental health visits in a pediatric emergency department and their relationship to the school calendar.
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the rate at which children and adolescents present to emergency departments (EDs) with mental health complaints. The goal of the current study was to assess the rate of ED usage for children and adolescents and to determine if there was an association between mental health emergencies and the school year. ⋯ The current study supports previous research findings of an association between the school year and child and adolescent mental health emergencies. In the current study, the school year appears to exacerbate childhood problems, as there is a greater frequency of psychiatric emergencies while children are in school. Implications for ED program development and school-based mental health service delivery are reviewed.
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We describe the use of nonmotorized scooters and utilization of safety equipment in a Midwestern suburb. ⋯ Many children ride scooters and own safety gear; however, few children wear their safety equipment when riding their scooter. Children wear helmets less frequently as they age. Physicians should continue to educate patients and their parents as to potential injuries on scooters and encourage the use of safety gear, especially helmets, when riding scooters.