"Like, I've seen patients with vague, intermittent 'dizziness,' that actually has been happening for months. It's always: 'OMG. What's wrong with me? This is so strange; better go to the ER.' But on the other hand, some people wake up and their arm doesn't work, and they're like, 'Hmm, maybe I can ride this one out.' - u/noteasybeincheesy"
"An example with pregnant patients: 'My baby was moving a lot last week, but he hasn't moved or kicked all this week. I'm a bit concerned.' Me: 'OK, let's take a look.' (In my head: WHY DIDN'T YOU COME EARLIER!?)."
"SOOOOOO much hypertension, arrhythmias, and hyperglycemia. You'll probably get a lot of different answers based on the typical patient population in the area, but the most common things I've seen are hypertensive and hyperglycemic events for patients who are noncompliant with their medications. Their complaints are usually quite vague (headache, dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain), and the physical examination is unremarkable. Vitals, BMP, UA, and past medical history make it pretty obvious pretty quickly, especially when the patient's previous encounters are already in your system. When asked why they haven't refilled their Metformin or Norvasc since January, many patients will shrug their shoulders. They either changed insurance, lost their insurance, or say they just felt fine and thought they could go without it for a while. - u/handsmantis"
Patients frequently present with vague, intermittent symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or nonspecific weakness that persist for months before seeking emergency care. Some individuals delay evaluation even when experiencing focal deficits consistent with stroke. Pregnant patients sometimes postpone assessment for decreased fetal movement, risking delayed detection of fetal compromise. Medication noncompliance—often due to insurance changes, cost, or perceived wellness—commonly leads to hypertensive crises, arrhythmias, and hyperglycemia, with minimal exam findings. Review of vitals, basic labs, urinalysis, and prior medical encounters frequently reveals the underlying cause rapidly.
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