CJEM Articles: complications

Displaying 1-3 of 3 results

  • Severe agitation following deep brain stimulation for parkinsonism
    July 2011 13 4
    Christopher R. Honey, Jacqueline McMaster, Michael Mostrenko, Nicholas G.W. Rose

    The use of deep brain stimulation has become increasingly common for the treatment of movement disorders, including Parkinson disease. Although deep brain stimulation is generally very successful in alleviating the extrapyramidal symptoms of Parkinson disease, side effects can occur. This case report describes a patient presenting to the emergency department in a state of extreme aggression 3 days after a change in the parameters of his bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulator. We review the complications of deep brain stimulation relevant to the emergency physician and provide some practical information on stimulator adjustment in an emergency.

  • An unusual complication of chest tube thoracostomy
    April 2000 2 2
    Hugo Poncia, John M. Ryan

    This paper describes a previously unreported complication of chest tube thoracostomy: scalpel blade dislodgement within the pleural space. Techniques and complications of chest tube thoracostomy are then discussed.

  • Rib fractures following minor trauma in older patients: a not-so-benign injury
    January 2000 2 1
    Margaret A. Dingle, Sam G. Campbell

    Two older adults presented to the emergency department with rib fractures following minor trauma. Both were discharged on oral analgesics and died within 2 days. Rib fractures more often lead to adverse outcomes in older adults. Emergency physicians should consider admitting any such patient who presents with two or more rib fractures.