Author Archives: Guy Melrose

Urgent Bite 284 – Coryza and Catarrh

When considering the broad topic of the upper respiratory tract infection, catarrh and coryza is mentioned. What are they and why do old and outdated medical terms still persist.

Urgent Bite 283 – Referral Communication

When making acute referrals to hospital, there are times when the communication is not as straightforward as you would want. There are many reasons for this but interpersonal and inter professional relationships are at the core of effective communication.

Urgent Bite 282 – Head injuries in the elderly

Dame Jilly Cooper died of an acute subdural haematoma, following a fall.

Pathways for CT head in adults exist to guide us in determining who needs a CT, but we must not forget the importance of safety netting all elderly people after head injury and to consider measures to prevent patients sustaining head injuries in the first place.

Urgent Bite 281 – Thinking about sparkler related eye injuries

Sparklers are a common, handheld firework that are popular with all ages, especially children. As they are held in front of your face, can they cause eye injuries?

Urgent Bite 280 – A Poke in the Eye

We must be thorough in reviewing patients who have had direct trauma to their eyes. Objects that are small enough that the orbit provides no protection are of increased concern. In addition to other injuries, we need to be aware of orbital floor fractures and commotio retinae.

Urgent Bite 279 – Pisa Syndrome

Pisa syndrome is rare, but identifiable in urgent care and associated with drugs we will commonly see. It is a reversible condition. It highlights the importance of a full drug history and to consider medications as causes of strange symptoms.

Urgent Bite 278 – Ocular Siderosis

We should be aware of the early signs of ocular siderosis, also known as siderosis bulbi which would indicate a retained metallic intraocular foreign body.