While the scuba diving decompression illnesses of decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism are treated the same, the pathophysiology and presentation are different.

A 15-year-old boy presents to the ED complaining that she cannot walk. She has been in her normal state of health except for an episode of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea 15 days ago.

This post was inspired by a recent clinical case in our department. A 7 week full term infant s/p spontaneous vaginal delivery with a normal maternal prenatal screen and course presents to your ED for not eating x 12 hours. On exam, you note decreased spontaneous movements, a weak suck and a weak cry noted. Vitals are normal. What's the diagnosis? 

A 60-year-old man with chronic alcohol abuse presents with altered mental status and ataxia. Nystagmus is noted. Vitals are normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially dangerous and lethal syndrome that develops in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients resulting in acute, uncontrolled, life-threatening hypertension.

Encephalitis is defined as inflammation of the brain parenchyma, frequently caused by viruses.  Autoimmune processes can also cause encephalitis: here are some pearls on the often-forgotten Anti-NDMA receptor encephalitis.

Board Review: Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy 

Modern immunizations in conjunction with better CT imaging has likely led to declining need for lumbar puncture in the emergency department to evaluate for meningitis and subarachnoid hemorrhage. This may contribute to physician discomfort with the procedure and lower likelihood of first attempt success. This study evaluated whether the addition of ultrasound guidance could increase first attempt success on infant lumbar puncture in the Emergency Department.

Not all ear pain is acute otitis media! Today's post reviews an uncommon specific manifestation of herpes zoster: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.