Autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency. Hypertension in a patient with a spinal injury is autonomic dysreflexia until proven otherwise. If you can treat the cause quickly, you can prevent some diseases that have high associated morbidity and mortality rates.

One of the most common endocrine disorders is hypothyroidism. But there is evidence to support the idea that mild hypothyroidism is over treated by family physicians.

While the topic remains up for debate as to exactly how much fluid these patients should have, there is supportive evidence to allow for a moderate intake for chronic heart failure patients, since the fluid overload is not within the systemic circulation.

When a patient presents with traumatic anterior cord syndrome, your primary responsibility and focus is supporting vital function and attending to concomitant injuries, stabilization and transport to a trauma facility.

Autonomic dysreflexia proves far more common among patients who have suffered a spinal cord injury than among the general population. We review the signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, especially among patients who have suffered a spinal cord injury, so you can provide better care in the field.

Fentanyl induced chest wall rigidity is uncommon, but the syndrome is potentially fatal if not recognized immediately and corrected. All providers should be aware of the syndrome and be adequately prepared to manage it should it occur.

Laryngospasm is defined as an uncontrolled or involuntary muscular contraction of the vocal cords and ligaments. The condition effects the cricoarytenoid, thyroarytenoid and the lateral cricoarytenoid. Learn how to treat the condition.

Studies have shown that even one incidence of a systolic pressure less than 90 can double the mortality rate in a head injured patient with increasing intra-cranial pressure. While watching the systolic pressure is acceptable, MAP is a more informed way to maintain adequate Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP).