Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that belongs to the same family of viruses as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It was first identified in Wuhan,…
Acknowledgements Ashok Adams, Consultant Neuroradiologist, for helping with the radiological images, and Rachael Mcfarlane, Senior Audiologist, for helping with the vestibular testing and audiological testing images. Introduction This chapter describes the assessment of potential diseases of the ear, nose and…
Introduction Although proportionally a greater contribution towards the diagnosis of ophthalmic disorders is made by the examination compared with the history, it is important to obtain a detailed account of the presenting complaint and associated visual symptoms from the patient…
Introduction The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Forming a major interface between man and his environment, it covers an area of approximately 2 m and weighs about 4 kg. The structure of human skin is complex…
Introduction The endocrine system is composed of the classic endocrine organs: ▪ Hypothalamus/pituitary ▪ Thyroid ▪ Parathyroid ▪ Adrenal ▪ Pancreatic islet cells ▪ Gonads The mode of presentation of endocrine disorders does not fit neatly into a system-based model,…
Introduction The following chapter covers the history, examination and investigation of the patient who presents with genital symptoms and outlines the common sexually transmitted infections (STI) and non-infective conditions encountered in the sexual health clinic. A fundamental principle in the…
Introduction Many patients with renal disease have few or non-specific symptoms, whereas disease within the urinary tract usually does have symptoms, many of which are reasonably specific for the disease processes involved. As the kidney and urinary tract are clearly…
Introduction In recent years impressive advances have been made throughout the field of neurology—in delineating disease entities and understanding their aetiology and pathogenesis; in diagnostic methods, particularly imaging and genetic testing; and in treatment and management. However, despite advances in…
Introduction Musculoskeletal symptoms are a major cause of pain and disability, accounting for a quarter of all general practitioner consultations in the United Kingdom (UK), with significant economic consequences. Common musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain and osteoarthritis, are the…
General principles A key requirement of being a good doctor is the ability to make a robust diagnosis. Making a diagnosis requires identifying departure from normal and involves answering two key questions: 1. Where is the problem (i.e. the anatomical…