Search & Filter

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) may be defined as the presence of visual hallucinations in the absence of mental illness, associated with deterioration in visual acuity. The underlying pathophysiology of CBS is poorly understood; partly due to the multifactorial nature of the syndrome with its ophthalmological, neurological and psychiatric components.

In response to the needs and demands of an ageing population, the specialty of Geriatric Medicine has evolved rapidly in recent decades. But has it evolved enough to attract new doctors to the field?

Pain can be broadly grouped into four categories namely nociceptive, neuropathic, mixed and pain of unknown origin. Mixed pain is a combination of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. This article serves to highlight the presence of mixed pain syndromes and their diagnosis and management.

Many patients with dementia will in the later stages develop distressing behavioural symptoms. Antipsychotics are commonly used to treat this; however, as a class have been associated with serious adverse events in this vulnerable population. In this article we provide an overview of alternative medications.

In part two of his three part series on the National Service Framework for Older People, Professor Ian Philp reviews its development and how it is still possible to implement much of the NSF's aims.

Economically we are in very tough times in this country, public sector pay has been restricted and since most doctors are employed in the state system, this has a direct effect on a medic's take home pay. However, what has really hit home to public sector workers€”and doctors are no exception€”has been the focus on pensions.

Migraine is a common complaint in all age groups, but the diagnosis and treatment in an older population require special consideration.

Paget's disease of bone becomes increasingly more common with age with a prevalence of 10% at the age of 70 years. The diagnosis may be missed unless the clinician is vigilant, recognises the presenting features, and investigates further. This article reviews the presenting features, investigation and treatment of what can be a painful and debilitating disease.

The British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) recommend that all hospital in-patients should have nutritional screening, and this also applies to those with bone fractures. Preventing and managing malnutrition is an important aspect of managing bone fractures and promoting healing. This study completed the audit cycle, assessing rate and type of nutritional screening in patients admitted to a district general hospital with bone fractures and comparing outcomes once the nationally recommended Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) tool was brought in.

Joint disease accounts for over half of all chronic health problems in the over 65 years group. In Europe chronic neck pain afects between 10€“20% of the population. In North America about 5% of the general population of all ages is disabled because of neck pain.

This article discusses the current understanding of epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diferential diagnoses and diagnostic studies of post-stroke seizures and epilepsies with an emphasis on the current recommended treatments, prophylaxis and important considerations when using diferent medications for seizure control.

Leukaemia encompasses a group of malignant disorders of haemopoietic tissues associated with increased numbers of primitive white cells, initially within the bone marrow and then spilling into the peripheral circulation. This review will cover the incidence, presentation, diagnosis and a brief overview of management of the most common acute and chronic leukaemias seen in primary and non-specialist secondary care.

Elderly people can now be found exploring the Amazon, visiting polar regions, climbing to high altitude and adventuring into remote parts. They indulge in active leisure time activity and participate in white water rafing, para-gliding, snorkelling, horse riding and sailing while abroad. Moderate physical impairment does not deprive elderly people of the right to venture afar or indulge in active sports, but they should do so aware of potential risk to well-being.

Doctors are to strike for 24 hours in protest against the Government's controversial pension reforms on June 21. This will be the frst time since 1975 that doctors have striked and may be followed by further industrial action.

Doctors must cease protecting dignity, and strive to enhance it. Tis is critical amongst our elderly patients, who are the most vulnerable yet stand to gain the greatest beneft, both psychologically and physically. For too long the practical application of dignity has been lef to the nursing profession, yet without a collaborative approach elderly patients sufer unnecessarily. Improvements in both education and communication are essential.