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Adult Medical Emergency Handbook - Scottish Intensive Care Society

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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCAEMIA<br />

Autonomic Neuroglycopenic Non-specific<br />

Sweating Weakness Headache<br />

Trembling Visual disturbance Nausea<br />

Pounding heart Difficulty speaking<br />

Anxiety Tingling<br />

Hunger Dizziness<br />

Difficulty concentrating<br />

Tiredness<br />

Drowsiness<br />

Confusion<br />

UNUSUAL ASSOCIATIONS AND PRESENTATION OF HYPOGLYCAEMIA<br />

Cardiovascular Neuropsychological General<br />

Prolongation of Focal/generalised Fracture of long<br />

QT-interval convulsions bones/vertebrae<br />

Atrial fibrillation Coma Joint dislocation<br />

Non-sustained Stroke; TIA’s Soft tissue injury<br />

ventricular ataxia, choreoathetosis Head injury<br />

tachycardia Focal neurological Burns<br />

Silent myocardial deficits Hypothermia<br />

ischaemia Decortication Road traffic accidents<br />

Angina Cognitive impairment<br />

Myocardial infarction Behavioural/<br />

Sudden death personality change<br />

Automatism/aggressive<br />

behaviour<br />

Psychosis<br />

MANAGEMENT<br />

• Maintain ABCDE and oxygenation whilst correcting hypoglycaemia<br />

(especially airway).<br />

• ALWAYS confirm hypoglycaemia with a laboratory measurement,<br />

but treat on basis of BM whilst awaiting lab result.<br />

206 adult medical emergencies handbook | NHS LOTHIAN: UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS DIVISION | 2009/11

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