1.Generalized seizure, the only manifestation of a small ischemic atherothrombotic infarction
Marjan ASSADOLLAHI ; Mahtab RAMEZANI ; Ehsan KARIMIALAVIJEH ; Hadi MIRFAZAELIAN
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2016;7(1):71-73
BACKGROUND:According to the literature, generalized seizure as a presenting sign of stroke is rare, and in the reported cases it was accompanied by a focal neurological deficit. Presentation of a small ischemic atherothrombotic brain infarction with convulsive generalized seizure is very rare. METHODS:We reported a patient with acute small ischemic atherothrombotic infarction associated with an episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure, a rare clinical manifestation in this type of stroke. The patient was treated with anti-epileptic therapy after admission. RESULTS:The patient was discharged with oral administration of phenytoin 100 mg TDS, aspirin 80 mg daily, and atorvastatin 40 mg daily. CONCLUSION:Small ischemic atherothrombotic infarction can present only with a seizure without any focal neurological deficit.
2.Emergency medicine as a growing career in Iran: an Internet-based survey
Farahmand SHERVIN ; Karimialavijeh EHSAN ; Hojjat Sheikh Mottahar VAHEDI ; Jahanshir AMIRHOSSEIN
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2016;7(3):196-202
BACKGROUND: In Iran, few studies have evaluated emergency medicine as a career option. In the present study, we aimed to find out how Iranian emergency-medicine specialists view their specialty as a career.METHODS: Following a qualitative study, a Likert-scale questionnaire was developed. Iranian emergency physician specialists who had at least two years'' job experience were contacted via email. A uniform link to a Web-based survey and a cover letter that explained the survey were sent to the recipients. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc analysis to determine the differences between demographic subgroups.RESULTS: A total of 109 eligible responses were received, a response rate of 72.63%. Of the responders, 57.8% were 30–40 years of age, 86.2% were male, 86.2% were single, 84.4% were faculty members and 90.8% had fewer than 10 years'' job experience. The main problems occurring during the career of Iranian emergency physicians were: insuffi cient income, inadequate recognition of the specialty by the community, inadequate union support, insecurity in the emergency wards, overcrowding, job stresses and night shifts. Despite insufficiency of income, Iranian emergency physicians (EPs) did not care about the financial benefits of patient care. Academic activity had positive effects on the perspectives of Iranian emergency physicians regarding their careers.CONCLUSION: Iranian emergency physicians and leaders in emergency medicine should struggle to improve the present situation, aiming at an ideal state.