Autophagia in a Patient with Dementia and Hemineglect: A Case Report

Introduction: Patients living with dementia as well as patients with neurological deficits are at significant risk for injury from multiple sources. Injuries may include falls, neglect, and, in some cases, self-injury. These patients require significant observation and closely monitored care. Case R...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bradley N. Bragg, Kara J. Bragg
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: eScholarship Publishing, University of California 2024-08-01
Series:Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
Online Access:https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6349353s
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Summary:Introduction: Patients living with dementia as well as patients with neurological deficits are at significant risk for injury from multiple sources. Injuries may include falls, neglect, and, in some cases, self-injury. These patients require significant observation and closely monitored care. Case Report: A 90-year-old man presented to a suburban emergency department (ED) by his family, who cared for him at home. The following case report describes a patient with dementia, hemineglect, and bruxism from a previous stroke who suffered a self-induced, partial amputation of his own thumb on the neglected side of his body. Conclusion: Patients with dementia and neurologic deficits present frequently in the ED. These patients are at considerable risk of self-injury. The emergency physician should maintain vigilance in both screening for injuries and being aware of these risks when planning living arrangements after disposition from the ED.
ISSN:2474-252X