Emergency department management of patients with complications of chronic neurologic disease: Parkinson disease, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

This issue reviews 3 neurological conditions that can cause or complicate a patient's emergency department presentation: Parkinson disease, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis. Parkinson disease is a common comorbidity, and can be exacerbated in the ED if not managed expeditiously. Myasthenia gravis carries the potential for significant respiratory compromise and requires swift recognition and emergency care. Multiple sclerosis has many manifestaions, stages, and treatments that emergency clinicians need to understand to best manage flares. This review presents a summary of the presentations, the common pitfalls, and the roles of various therapeutics in managing patients with chronic neurologic disease.