Yesterday we reviewed how to remove a fish hook. Today we will piggy back off that theme, and because summer is coming, review how to remove a tick.   Aside from Lyme disease, ticks are capable of transmitting multiple diseases, including ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and tick paralysis. Early removal of the […]

Today’s pearl is courtesy of the sea and (the other) JP: how to remove a fish hook from human flesh. 1. Remove any fish hook flair – ie weights, lines, weird hair looking things, etc. 2. Clean the surrounding skin with betadine. 3. Anesthetize the area. If it is a digit, which is common, perform a digital block. […]

Today’s pearl is courtesy of North Korea. They claimed that Otto Warmbier, an imprisoned American who unfortunately died a few days after his return to the US, had suffered brain damage after contracting botulism. If you think that sounds wonky, you’re probably right. If you thinks that sounds probable, here is a refresher on botulism, […]

Stiell IG, Wells GA, Vandemheen K, Clement C, et al. The Canadian CT Head Rule for patients with minor head injury. Lancet. 2001 May 5;357(9266):1391-6. PMID: 11356436   What we already know: Prior to this study, there was disagreement and lack of standardization in the use of CT in patients with minor head trauma. Though a number […]

If you are unsuccessful with an LP, consider ditching the midline angle and instead approaching laterally. The lateral approach allows you to avoid the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, which are often crunchy and calcified in older patients. Prep the patient the same way you would as the traditional approach. Patients can be in either the […]