Aust Fam Physician
-
The work challenges faced by doctors, nurses and other health professionals in the humanitarian field are overwhelming. ⋯ It is impossible not to be psychologically affected by witnessing gross acts of violence, starvation, epidemics, displacement and despair, or hearing tales of slaughter, rape and killing. Just as those populations who are subjected to traumatic experiences develop post-traumatic psychological problems, so too can those humanitarian workers who assist them.
-
Case histories are based on actual medical negligence claims, however, certain facts have been omitted or changed by the author to ensure the anonymity of the parties involved. Despite the best intentions of medical practitioners, things do go wrong from time to time and a patient may experience an adverse outcome as a result of a medical practitioner's actions. This article discusses some of the issues that general practitioners should consider when things go wrong.
-
Dizziness and loss of consciousness are common clinical problems presenting in general practice. ⋯ A range of disorders with varying pathology cause a transient loss of consciousness associated with postural collapse (syncope) by interruption of blood flow to the brain. Syncope and seizures are the only common causes of recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness. The vasovagal reaction or 'common faint' and postural hypotension are both common and benign causes of syncope. Syncope can also result from cardiac causes that include disorders of cardiac rhythm and mechanical obstruction to cardiac output. Cardiac causes of syncope are associated with much higher morbidity and mortality than postural hypotension or fainting. Specific treatment is available for the various cardiac causes of syncope and thus accurate diagnosis is imperative.