Abnormal results from neurologic examination are the best clinical parameters to predict structural intracranial pathology; however, in patients 55 years or older with headache of acute onset located in the occipitonuchal region that has associated symptoms, computed tomographic scan of the head is justified as part of their clinical evaluation independently of the findings of the neurologic examination.
The primary care physician can accurately diagnose hand injuries by obtaining a thorough patient history and performing a complete physical examination of the hand. When the severity of injury is doubtful, immobilization in a splint with next-day referral is appropriate. Immediate consultation should be obtained with nerve or vascular damage, fracture-dislocation injuries, open fractures, substantial skin loss, or flexor tendon injuries at or distal to the wrist.
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