Author name: Gregory Yates

Dr Gregory Yates (BA, MA, MBBS) is an academic clinical fellow in emergency medicine based at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Prior to medical training, he was a researcher in the field of psychosomatic disorders at King's College London, and wrote a book on the topic of Munchausen's syndrome. His academic work in Manchester includes recruitment for clinical trials in critical care, running a journal club, and teaching emergency medicine to final-year students. He also runs a medical education website -- Get The Gas -- and has collaborated with Dr Smith's ECG blog to produce learning resources on ECG interpretation. He has recently published on topics including toxicology, sedation, and electrolyte disorders in acute settings.

When things get exciting: Thoughts on the recent EMCRIT episode on serotonin syndromes.

When things get exciting: Thoughts on the recent EMCRIT episode on serotonin syndromes.

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In this emergency medicine toxicology blog, Gregory Yates reflects on a recent EMCRIT podcast episode discussing serotonin syndrome, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and other hyperthermic drug reactions. The post highlights the diagnostic importance, but potential unreliability, of neuromuscular findings such as clonus, tremor, and hyperreflexia. It also critiques the limitations of relying solely on drug history. The piece underlines the risks of misdiagnosis — and the potential danger of using antipsychotics in the wrong toxidrome. The takeaway: neurological examination can be unrelaible, and clinicians should be cautious when interpreting overlapping toxidromes.

When things get exciting: Thoughts on the recent EMCRIT episode on serotonin syndromes. Read More

ketamine for opiate dependent patients

Should we be giving ketamine to opioid users in acute pain?

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Should ketamine be used for opioid-dependent patients in acute pain? A recent randomized controlled trial explores the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine (LDK) as an adjunct to morphine in emergency settings. Results show significant short-term pain reduction and reduced opioid requirements, with manageable side effects. This analysis examines the study’s findings, clinical implications, and the potential role of ketamine in addressing oligoanalgesia among opioid users. #analgesia #FOAMed #stemlyns

Should we be giving ketamine to opioid users in acute pain? Read More

Cannabis edibles: A cause for concern in the emergency department?

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Cannabis edibles are raising concerns in emergency medicine due to delayed effects, high THC potency, and inconsistent labeling. A recent study highlights increased ED admissions and resource use among edible users compared to those who inhale cannabis. This analysis explores key findings, clinical implications, and the need for regulatory measures. Discover the evidence behind the growing debate on cannabis edibles and their impact on emergency care.

Cannabis edibles: A cause for concern in the emergency department? Read More

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