title: Generalized weakness in the geriatric emergency department patient: an approach to initial management.
abstract: Generalized weakness in the geriatric patient is a vexing chief compliant to address in any setting, especially in the hectic emergency department. Studies suggest that it is associated with poor outcomes, although the ideal workup is elusive. A minimum of laboratory and imaging testing is recommended with the addition of neuroimaging if focal weakness is discovered. Considering a wide differential with attention to geriatric-specific concerns is labor intensive but necessary for this presentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Portland, 04102, USA. Robert.Anderson@tufts.edu
authors.forename: Robert S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Sarah A M
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hallen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019468:Disease Management; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy