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Vertigo and Dizziness: A Brief Review

Vertigo and Dizziness: A Brief Review

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

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Teaser: 

Curtis M. Marcoux, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Dr. Pradeep Shenoy, MD, DLO, FRCS, FACS,
is the ENT service chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Campbellton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Abstract
Dizziness is the third most common symptom seen in patients of all age groups who present to emergency departments, outpatient clinics and physicians offices. Assessing dizziness requires a differentiation of potential causes through a comprehensive medical history and thorough physical exam. The most common causes of dizziness are peripheral vestibular disorders, however disorders of the central nervous system must be ruled out. Understanding how to distinguish between various underlying causes of vertigo is essential for the timely diagnosis and effective management of patients with this symptom. In this review, an overview of the epidemiology, etiology, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of the most common causes of vertigo will be presented, touching on some of the more rare determinants.
Key Words: Vertigo, dizziness, BPPV, vestibular neuronitis, Meniere's disease, vestibular migraine, vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

A Case of Recurrent Pyogenic Granuloma of Gingiva

A Case of Recurrent Pyogenic Granuloma of Gingiva

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

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Teaser: 

Dr. Pradeep Shenoy, MD, DLO, FRCS, FACS, is the ENT service chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Campbellton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Abstract
A case of pyogenic granuloma of gingiva is presented. Aetiology factors, clinical presentations and different treatment modalities are discussed after reviewing the literature.
Key Words: Pyogenic granuloma, Gingival hyperplasia, Peripheral giant cell granuloma, peripheral ossifying fibroma, lobular capillary haemangioma.

Grey Tsunami: A Dangerous Metaphor in Aging Discourse?

Grey Tsunami: A Dangerous Metaphor in Aging Discourse?

Teaser: 

Dr.Michael Gordon Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Medical Program Director, Palliative Care, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

Abstract
Physicians are used to using language in very special ways. We combine the normal syntax, grammar and rules of our mother tongue along with the special clinical terms derived from Latin or Greek which are often anglicized in North America. But there are terms used in the English language that we tend to avoid because they have associated with them negative stereotypes about certain groups of individuals and over time, no one would use some of these terms in public. The term tsunami has entered the lexicon recently of terms used to describe the challenges of the aging population. Its use has entered the popular media and amongst policy makers. Physicians must be attuned to the negative stereotype associated with the use of this term to describe the older patients that we collectively care for.
Key Words:Language and negative stereotypes, media use of terms, stigmatizing the elderly with words.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Teaser: 

Jordan Isenberg,1 Tessa Weinberg,2 Nowell Solish,3
1McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec; 2The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Faculty of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland;
3University of Toronto, Department of Dermatology, Toronto, Ontario.


Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous malignancy. It is seen most frequently in those over 60 years old and in Caucasian males. It usually presents as an asymptomatic rapidly growing violatious nodule on a sun exposed area. The mainstay of treatment is surgical by standard wide local excision or MOHs chemosurgery. Radiation is added frequently for local control. The only factor significantly associated with overall survival is the stage of disease at presentation. This stresses the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Key Words: Merkel cell carcinoma, wide local excision, MOHs chemosurgery, adjuvant radiotherapy, review, case.

Obesity, Weight Loss, and Low Back Pain: An Overview for Primary Care Providers—Part 2

Obesity, Weight Loss, and Low Back Pain: An Overview for Primary Care Providers—Part 2

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

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Teaser: 

1,2Darren M. Roffey PhD; 1Simon Dagenais DC, PhD, MSc; 3Ted Findlay DO, CCFP; 4,5Travis E. Marion MD, MSc; 6Greg McIntosh MSc; 1,2,4,5Eugene K. Wai MD, MSc, FRCSC

1University of Ottawa Spine Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, 2Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON,

3
Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, 4Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, 5Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, 6CBI Health Group, Toronto, ON,

Abstract

Obesity and low back pain are equally complex medical conditions with multi-factorial etiologies. Their clinical practice guidelines both include recommendations for screening and examination that can be easily implemented. There is sufficient information to compile a framework for the primary care provider, partnering with the patient and appropriate specialists, to manage obesity and low back pain in a structured fashion. Weight loss and exercise are paramount and should be recommended as the first options. Cognitive behavioural therapy, pharmacological treatment and bariatric surgery may then be implemented sequentially depending upon the effectiveness of the initial interventions.

Key Words: Obesity, low back pain, exercise, nutrition, cognitive behavioural therapy, bariatric surgery, weight loss, pharmacological, evidence-based guideline.

A Case of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Mucocele

A Case of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Mucocele

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

Mainpro+® Overview
Teaser: 

Dr. Pradeep Shenoy, MD, DLO, FRCS, FACS, is the ENT service chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Campbellton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Dr. Paul Cortin, MD, Opthalmology Service Chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, New Brunswick, Campbellton, Canada.
Dr. O. Oni, MD, Paediatrician, Campbellton Regional Hospital, New Brunswick, Campbellton, Canada Hospital,NB,Campbellton,Canada.

Abstract
A case of congenital nasolacrimal mucocele presenting with medial canthus cystic mass and purulent eye discharge is reported. Clinical features, investigations and treatment modalities are described after reviewing the literature.
Key Words: CNDM (congenital nasolacrimal duct mucocoele), dacrocystocoele, dacryocele,
lacrimal sac cyst, amniotocele, medial canthus cystic mass, purulent conjunctivitis, surgical probing, silicone intubation, marsupialization.

Five Issues That Prevent From Using Your EMR Effectively

Five Issues That Prevent From Using Your EMR Effectively

Teaser: 

Ian PUN, MD, Family Physician, Scarborough, Ontario.
OSCAR McMaster EMR user since 2010.

Abstract
As of 2014, over 75% of primary care physicians in Ontario have adopted,1 or are in the process of adopting an EMR. Those physicians who are new to using EMR will find many pitfalls, many of which are common and are preventable. I will specifically deal with the OSCAR McMASTER EMR and what issues I saw my fellow colleagues and myself experience in the Ontario context.
Key Words: Hardware, Network, OSCAR McMaster EMR, issues, scanning, lab, HL7.

Obesity, Weight Loss, and Low Back Pain: An Overview for Primary Care Providers—Part 1

Obesity, Weight Loss, and Low Back Pain: An Overview for Primary Care Providers—Part 1

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

Mainpro+® Overview
Teaser: 

1,2Darren M. Roffey PhD; 1Simon Dagenais DC, PhD, MSc; 3Ted Findlay DO, CCFP; 4,5Travis E. Marion MD, MSc; 6Greg McIntosh MSc; 1,2,4,5Eugene K. Wai MD, MSc, FRCSC

1University of Ottawa Spine Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, 2Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON,

3
Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, 4Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, 5Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, 6CBI Health Group, Toronto, ON,

Abstract

Recognizing that the increasing incidence of obesity coincides with the rising prevalence of LBP, there is growing interest in establishing the relationship between over-weight and back pain. It is likely that any association is multi-factorial and that the connection is not as mechanistically simple as previously believed. Systemic inflammation associated with obesity may be an important contributor. Proposed treatment options vary from cognitive behavioural therapy to bariatric surgery with none yet fully proven. Despite the ambiguity, it appears prudent for primary care providers treating obese patients with LBP to recommend weight loss and exercise.

Key Words: Obesity, low back pain, inflammation, intervertebral disc, multi-factorial, causality, association.

Warning: Internet Can Be a Danger to Your Health

Warning: Internet Can Be a Danger to Your Health

Teaser: 

Dr.Michael Gordon Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Medical Program Director, Palliative Care, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

Abstract
The process of prescribing medications, explaining the risks and benefits has classically been the role and responsibility of physicians with support from other health care providers such as pharmacists. In the modern age with the phenomenal expansion of the digital world, the world of the internet has become a major player. It is common for physicians to have to contend with and integrate into their practice the common phenomenon of family members looking at the internet and other sources for information about medications proposed for their loved ones.
Key Words: internet, medications, information, responsibility.

A Pruritic Rash

A Pruritic Rash

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

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Teaser: 

Francesca Cheung, MD CCFP, is a family physician with a special interest in dermatology. She received the Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the Department of Dermatology at Cardiff University in Wales, UK. She is practising at the Lynde Centre for Dermatology in Markham, Ontario and works closely with Dr. Charles Lynde, MD FRCPC, an experienced dermatologist. In addition to providing direct patient care, she acts as a sub-investigator in multiple clinical studies involving psoriasis, onychomycosis, and acne.

Abstract
Mammary Paget disease (PD) is a less common form of breast cancer which involves the nipple-areola complex and occurs almost exclusively in females. Erythema, skin thickening, pruritus, burning sensation, inversion of the nipple, ulceration, serosanguineous nipple discharge are common clinical symptoms. Approximately 1-4% of female breast carcinoma are associated with PD of the nipple-areola complex. A biopsy including the dermal and subcutaneous tissue should be performed on all suspicious lesions of the nipple-areola complex for accurate diagnosis. The first line treatment of mammary PD is mastectomy (radical or modified) and lymph node clearance for patients with a palpable mass and underlying invasive breast carcinoma. The prognosis of mammary PD is determined by the disease stage and is similar to that of other types of breast cancer.
Key Words: Mammary Paget disease, breast cancer, nipple-areola complex, metastasis.