Dizziness and Vertigo History History Guides Author – Dr James Mackintosh Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 30/08/2024 Table of Contents Introduction Dizziness and vertigo are common presenting complaints in general practice and the emergency department. Dizziness is a term often used to describe a variety of symptoms including vertigo, pre-syncope, unsteadiness and light-headedness. …
Peripheral Oedema and Ankle Swelling History History Guides Author – Dr Ramya Sriskandarajah Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 09/07/2024 Table of Contents Introduction Swollen ankles are a common presenting complaint. They occur when excess fluid leaks from the intravascular space into surrounding tissues – the so-called third space, resulting in swelling in the …
Anosmia History History Guides Author – Karthikeyan Sivaganesh Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 08/07/24 Introduction Anosmia is the inability to detect smell and often causes a change in taste perception, hence patients present with both. The olfactory nerve (CN1) supplies smell sensation which enters the nasal canal through the cribriform plate (part of …
Febrile Child History History Guides Author – Dr James Mackintosh Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 17/02/24 Table of Contents Introduction Fever is one of the most common presenting complaints in children. The causes range from benign and common to rare and life changing. Fever is defined as a temperature of 38 degrees centigrade …
Rashes History History Guides Author – Kar Chang Natalie Ko Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 31/01/24 Table of Contents Introduction Rashes are a common presenting complaint in primary care. While examination forms a larger part of the assessment than in many other presentations, taking a good history is still an important differentiator between diagnoses. …
Palpitations History History Guides Author – Dr James Mackintosh Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 24/01/24 Table of Contents Introduction Palpitations are an abnormal awareness of one’s own heartbeat. This can include the sensation of the heart racing, beating irregularly, or an unusual pounding sensation. Presenting Complaint Site Most palpitations are felt in the chest. …
Abdominal Pain History History Guides Author – Dr Keiran Dey Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 08/01/24 Table of Contents Introduction Causes of abdominal pain can range from surgical emergencies to mild self limiting gastroenteritis. Being able to take a thorough history to differentiate between possible causes is of vital importance. Presenting Complaint Site Consider …
Painful Swollen Leg History History Guides Author – Dr James Mackintosh Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 07/01/24 Table of Contents Introduction You can divide causes of a painful swollen leg can be divided into unilateral vs bilateral and acute vs chronic. It is important to establish this early as it will alter the differentials …
Abdominal Pain in Children History History Guides Author – Kar Chang Natalie Ko Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 06/01/24 Table of Contents Introduction Primary care, emergency departments, and secondary care encounter paediatric abdominal pain frequently as a presenting symptom. Abdominal pain in children can stem from various causes, ranging from harmless to significant and …
Headache History History Guides Author – Dr James Mackintosh Editor – Dr James Mackintosh Last updated 02/01/24 Table of Contents Introduction Headaches are a common symptom that you will come across in primary care, emergency departments and secondary care. There are a wide range of causes from benign to serious and life changing. Presenting Complaint Site …