Dtsch Arztebl Int
-
Visual phenomena are of many different kinds; their differential diagnosis is usually possible with directed history-taking. In this review, we describe common visual phenomena that must be distinguished from a migraine aura. ⋯ Patients with visual phenomena typically consult physicians from various medical specialties. A correct differential diagnosis can be made based on the history if the physician views the symptoms in their overall context to determine the particular disease entity that is responsible.
-
Approximately half of all patients with cancer use at least one method of complementary medicine during or after tumor treatment. The substances most commonly taken are micronutrients, food supplements, and plant extracts. ⋯ The inherent positive attribute of complementary medicine is patient empowerment: it enables patients to help themselves in an active way even while undergoing cancer treatment, as well as afterward. To avoid risks to health, patients should be instructed about unsafe methods, asked repeatedly about their use of complementary medicine, and informed specifically about potential interactions between such interventions and their cancer treatment.