April 2014

Yale University researchers have found a single "switch" in the brains of patients with epilepsy that determines whether an epileptic seizure will be mild or trigger a dangerous, debilitating loss of consciousness.

Noting the management and treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) are currently subpar in the primary care setting, 2 researchers recently reviewed and outlined key clinical considerations for the chronic neuropathic pain syndrome.

New blood pressure treatment guidelines announced in February 2014 by the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) may result in nearly 6 million American adults no longer requiring hypertension medications.

David J. Herman, MD, FACP, Senior Partner at ID Care in New Jersey, discusses strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.

Administering 2 so-called pregnancy hormones simultaneously in patients suffering from intractable pain may significantly reduce their opioid use, pain, and flare intensity.

As internists, the best product we can offer to patients is our opinion derived from clinical experience and education.

In the field of women's health, the publication of the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study was such a defining event that clinicians talk about menopausal hormone therapy "before WHI" and "after WHI."

Initiating testosterone therapy in healthy older men substantially increases their risk of myocardial infarction, according to a cohort study published in PLOS One.

There is a correlation between behavioral health and high levels of liberalism and social trust, according to the findings of a study published in Social Science & Medicine.

Although the US Food and Drug Administration revised its approval processes for antihyperglycemic agents to include cardiovascular safety components, researchers still cannot discern whether those drugs affect cardiovascular outcomes.

Although many clinicians presumed patients with poor collateral blood vessel formation near their stroke site should have their blood pressure left high to prevent a second stroke, a study published in Neurology found lowering blood pressure to normal levels reduces subsequent stroke risk more effectively.

Considering a patient's age in an abnormal pulmonary embolism test result can lead to fewer misdiagnoses in healthy individuals.

A recent study found high-dose multivitamins and minerals taken after myocardial infarction do not significantly reduce subsequent cardiovascular events.

Adopting new best-practice approaches to dementia care would decrease caregiver burden, rule out onerous treatments, and improve the quality of care for older adults with Alzheimer's disease, but the current primary care structure is an obstacle to implementation.

A new retrospective study suggests that patients with autoimmune disorders should be monitored for epilepsy, and vice versa.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has increased steadily since the mid-1970s. However, the number of male reproductive evaluative procedures has fallen, which suggests that many couples bypass the exam and go directly to ART.

New research suggests elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs have improved 10-year survival.

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is not associated with greater rates of smoking cessation or reduced cigarette consumption after 1 year.

Among Medicare beneficiaries with 4 or more pain medicine providers, concurrent opioid prescribing is common and significantly associated with increased rates of hospital admission related to narcotic use.