Emotional Response and Management of Visually Handicapped Patients

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
George L. Adams ◽  
Jerome T. Pearlman

Emotional stress is known to accompany visual problems. This fact is apparent in patients with real or threatened acute loss of vision. Patients usually respond to a loss of vision in one of three ways: by acceptance, by denial, or by depression—with or without concomitant anxiety. A progression through these three patterns of response which varies in its pace and qualitative characteristics can be—but is rarely—seen by the physician. The response of any given patient can almost be predicted by the patient's previous response pattern to emotional stress. Acceptance and denial are the two most frequently encountered patterns of response. Fortunately, they are the healthiest responses and require the least attention, usually only by the ophthalmologist and his ancillary personnel. Depression, although the least common response to partial visual loss, may be lethal. A patient who responds to visual loss with depression requires at least a psychiatric consultation to aid the ophthalmologist in the management of the patient. In severe depression, the patient will probably require some type of psychiatric therapy, such as short- or long-term psychotherapy, chemotherapy, or some combination thereof.

1981 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony S. Krausen ◽  
Joseph H. Ogura ◽  
Ronald M. Burde ◽  
David E. Ostrow

Orbital decompression to treat progressive loss of vision owing to long-term hormonal disease is a well-documented curative procedure. Over the past four years, two patients suffering from acute visual problems, owing to trauma and infection, have rapidly deteriorated to a no light perception visual level. In these two instances, vision was restored by timely orbital decompression.


2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nebojsa Mujovic ◽  
Miodrag Grujic ◽  
Stevan Mrdja ◽  
Aleksandar Kocijancic ◽  
Tatjana Potpara ◽  
...  

Background/Aim. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the presence of an accessory pathway (AP) that conducts rapidly is potentially lethal because the rapid ventricular response may lead to ventricular fibrillation (VF). The aim of the study was to determine long-term efficacy of AP catheter-ablation using radiofrequency (RF) current in secondary prevention of VF in WPW patients. Methods. Study included a total of 192 symptomatic WPW patients who underwent RF catheter-ablation of AP in our institution from 1994 to 2007 and were available for clinical follow-up for more than 3 months after procedure. Results. Before ablation, VF was recorded in total of 27 patients (14.1%). In 14 of patients (51.9%) VF was the first clinical manifestation of WPW syndrome. A total of 35 VF episodes were identified in 27 patients. The occurrence of VF was preceded by physical activity or emotional stress in 17.1% of cases, by alcohol abuse in 2.9% and by inappropriate intravenous drug administration in 28.6%. In addition, no clear precipitating factor was identified in 40% of VF cases, while informations about activities preceding 11.4% of VF episodes were not available. The follow-up of 5.7 ? 3.3 years was obtained in all of 27 VF patients. Of the 20 patients who underwent successful AP ablation, all were alive, without syncope or ventricular tachyarrhythmias during long-term follow-up. In 4 of 7 unsuccessfully treated patients, recurrence of supraventricular tachycardia and/or preexcited atrial fibrillation were recorded; one of these patients suddenly died of VF, 6 years after procedure. Conclusion. In significant proportion of WPW patients, VF was the first clinical manifestation of WPW syndrome, often precipitated by physical activity, emotional stress or inappropriate drug administration. Successful elimination of AP by percutaneous RF catheter-ablation is highly effective in secondary prevention of life-threatening tachyarrhythmias in patients with ventricular preexcitation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Nobutaka Ayani ◽  
Teruyuki Matsuoka ◽  
Sumihiro Yamano ◽  
Jin Narumoto

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reoriented societies across the world and placed a significant burden on caring for mental health among its population. In this study, we reported two cases where patients experiencing severe depression with delusions of having COVID-19 required inpatient treatment after long-term remission owing to the negative impact of media reports related to the pandemic. Despite the aggravation of their anxiety, the patients were unable to distance themselves from negative information in attempts to remain informed through media to prevent their families and themselves from being infected. Self-protection through improved media literacy is imperative for people to protect themselves from the fearmongering of the media and infodemic in the present-day scenario.


2021 ◽  
pp. 98-104
Author(s):  
G. KH. ISMAIYLOV ◽  
◽  
N. V. MURASCHENKOVA ◽  
I. G. ISMAIYLOVA

The results of the analysis and assessment of long-term changes in the qualitative characteristics of the Oka River runoff are presented. To analyze the temporal dynamics of the variability of the average annual and maximum concentrations of pollutants in the runoff of the Oka River, we used long-term observational data on typical pollutants for the period 1984-2019. The assessment of the state of the quality of surface waters of the Oka River was carried out according to the values of the concentrations of pollutants in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the river. The dynamics of the main pollutants of the following indicators is considered: ammonium nitrogen, oil products, copper and zinc compounds and easily oxidized organic substances. It was found that in the upper reaches of the river (according to observations of the Oka – Orel city) the main pollutants are ammonium nitrogen and copper compounds, the average annual concentrations of which respectively increased to 9 values. A similar situation was observed downstream of the river (the Oka River – Kaluga city). As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that more noticeable changes in the concentration of pollutants are observed in the section of the river from the city of Murom to the city of Dzerzhinsk. Near the city of Murom, the content of oil products in the water sharply increases. From the beginning of the study period (1984) and until 1995, the average annual concentration varied from 5 to 30 values, and the maximum concentration in the year in creased to 87 values. After 2000, the content of oil products in water dropped sharply and the average annual value did not exceed 3 values, and the maximum concentration was 4-6 values. The paper analyzes the frequency of cases of exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants in the Oka River in the mouth of the river. There was a high repeatability of the content of copper compounds in water, which varied from 70 to 88%. The frequency of cases of excess of easily oxidized organic matter in the mouth of the Oka River varied from 64 to 74%. Relatively low, although stable, the repeatability of the content of oil products in water remained, which ranged from 23 to 42%.


Author(s):  
Pawan Gupta

Approximately 2% of ED attendances comprise patients with eye complaints. Most of the time this group of patients is seen by a junior doctor with very little training in thorough and relevant history taking and examination. The majority of such eye problems can be treated in the ED without requiring any intervention from an ophthalmologist. But a few may require immediate action and subsequent referral to the on-call ophthalmologist. Most of the emergencies require a standard approach to history taking followed by an examination, although some (acid or alkali burns) may need immediate treatment, which is given while the assessment is being done. In ophthalmology, the history will help indicate the part of the eyes to focus on during the physical examination. The following points should be covered in the history: • Associated trauma • Pain versus irritation • Photophobia • Discharge—colour, quantity and consistency • Loss of vision • Pattern and speed of onset of symptoms • Any past eye problems in the same or the other eye. During the physical examination always measure VA separately for each eye by using Snellen’s chart and document your findings. If the patient wears glasses, these should be kept on during the test. The examination should also include a good look at the eyelids (both from outside and inside), conjunctivae, cornea, pupils and their size and reaction, visual fields, eye movements, and ophthalmoscopy. Do not forget to evert the upper eyelid with the help of a cotton bud as tiny foreign bodies often hide underneath it and their removal will immediate relieve the symptoms—the patient will be very grateful! Patients with potentially serious pathology requiring immediate ophthalmology referral include those with: • Sudden loss of vision • New reduction in VA • Acute red and painful eye (suspect acute glaucoma) • Penetrating eye injuries • Chemical burns to the eye • Suspected iritis, herpes zoster infection, and orbital cellulitis (referral on the same day). The questions in this chapter cover the common eye emergencies and a few uncommon but serious pathologies.


The common eye problems of infancy and childhood are summarized here, along with outlines of basic bedside examination and work-up. Detecting visual problems early is crucial to optimizing long-term visual development. If any doubt about your assessment exists or you have concern about the child’s eyes, discuss with your senior early and seek a friendly ophthalmology opinion.


2002 ◽  
Vol 134 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 393-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Femke T.A Pijlman ◽  
Gerrit Wolterink ◽  
Jan M van Ree

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (2-4) ◽  
pp. 44-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Carstens ◽  
Michael Sprehn

AbstractIntroduction:By introducing an intensified insulin treatment regime to patients with insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus (IDDM), the frequency of long-term complications that the patient will experience has been shown to decrease. The price is an increase in the frequency of severe and mild hypoglycaemic events. Therefore, constant monitoring of these patients is necessary.Hypothesis:This study compares the time until full recovery of IDDM patients with severe hypoglycaemia after treatment with either intravenous glucose or intramuscular glucagon.Methods:14 patients with IDDM with severe hypoglycaemia requiring treatment by the medical staff was randomised to treatment either with 50 ml of 50% glucose intravenously or intramuscular 1 mg glucagon. The time to recovery was recorded. Plasma glucose was measured at fixed intervals to achieve a glycaemia profile. Demographic data were acquired through patient interviews following recovery.Results:Recovery time between the two groups was significantly different statistically. Recovery time ranged for 1 to 3 minutes for those receiving glucose intravenously and 8 to 21 minutes for those receiving intramuscular glucagon. Characteristic glycaemia profiles were identified and differences were present between the two groups with a greater fluctuating pattern for the glucose group compared to the steadily increasing pattern seen after glucagon treatment. Alcohol was believed to be involved in 8 out of the 14 cases, and thereby, is the major confounding factor in this study.Conclusion:Intramuscularly administered glucagon is a safe and reliable alternative to intravenous glucose infusion. The fluctuating glyceamia pattern seen after glucose treatment indicates a low risk for secondary hypoglycaemia. However, further studies are necessary to support this assertion.


2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.A. Chaudhry ◽  
F.A. Shamsi ◽  
M. L. Weitzman

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