Primary care
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Seizures and epilepsy are common neurologic conditions that are frequently encountered in the outpatient primary care setting. An accurate diagnosis relies on a thorough clinical history and evaluation. ⋯ Knowledge of common seizure triggers and provoking factors can further guide diagnostic testing and initial management. The pharmacodynamic characteristics and side effect profiles of anti-seizure medications are important considerations when deciding treatment and counseling patients, particularly those with comorbidities and in special populations such as patient of childbearing potential.
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Muscle weakness and pain can be seen in orthopedic, rheumatologic, cardiac, and musculoskeletal conditions in addition to neurologic disorders. Myopathy, which describes a heterogenous group of hereditary and acquired disorders that affect muscle channels, structure, and metabolism, is one possible cause. ⋯ As with most neurologic disorders, a thorough clinical history and physical examination are essential first steps. These findings will then guide diagnostic testing and facilitate appropriate management or referral for further neuromuscular care.
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Autonomic disorders can present with hypotension, gastrointestinal, genitourinary symptoms, and heat intolerance. Diabetes is the most common causes of autonomic failure, and management should focus on glucose control to prevent developing autonomic symptoms. ⋯ Treatment for autonomic dysfunction and failure focus on discontinuing offending medications, behavioral modification, and pharmacologic therapy to decrease symptom severity. Autonomic failure has no cure; therefore, the focus remains on improving quality of life.
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Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury causing temporary neurologic dysfunction. Symptoms following concussion are variable and generally are expected to resolve within about 1 month, but some patients experience persistent and prolonged symptoms. ⋯ Accommodations may be needed to facilitate return-to-school and work following concussion. Athletes should not be cleared for a full return to sport until they have recovered from a concussion and completed a return-to-play progression, in addition to returning to work/school fully.
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Cognitive impairment is a common problem in the geriatric population and is characterized by variable symptoms of memory difficulties, executive dysfunction, language or visuospatial problems, and behavioral changes. It is imperative that primary care clinicians recognize and differentiate the variable symptoms associated with cognitive impairment from changes attributable to normal aging or secondary to other medical conditions. A thorough evaluation for potentially reversible causes of dementia is required before diagnosis with a neurodegenerative dementia. Other abnormal neurologic findings, rapid progression, or early age of onset are red flags that merit referral to neurology for more specialized evaluation and treatment.