The acute abdomen
Acute Abdominal Pain Most patients with abdominal pain do not have acute pathology, let alone a need for urgent surgery, but it’s vital to spot the ones who do. Primary…
Neck and upper limb
Neck Pain One of the most common symptoms in general practice, this is often degenerative (cervical spondylosis), but there are other causes. History ‘Have you had an accident lately?’ Trauma…
Loss of vision and other visual symptoms
Patients often present with visual symptoms, and are understandably concerned that they may be going blind. There are many local and systemic causes, and some are very serious. You need…
Child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse
Child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse are all under-recognised. There are about 46,705 children subject to a child protection plan or on a child protection register (NSPCC 2011). Many…
Dyspepsia and upper gastrointestinal symptoms
Dyspepsia Dyspepsia covers a range of symptoms of the upper gastrointestinal tract including upper abdominal pain or discomfort, heartburn, acid reflux and nausea or vomiting. They are all important and…
Hip and lower limb
The Hip Take a careful history, including general health and lifestyle: ‘Where is the pain?’ Pain from the hip is usually felt in the groin, less often in the lateral…
