Tag Archives: emergency room

When to Visit an Emergency Room – Traumatic Brain Injuries

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man who suffered from a neck and head injury massaging his neckA traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious issue that millions of Americans experience each year. In 2010 alone, roughly 2.5 million United States citizens went to an emergency room due to a TBI. While getting hit in the head is not always a major cause for concern, most head injuries should receive prompt medical attention to make sure that a TBI is properly addressed. If you need medical attention, be it urgent or for an emergency, visit Highland Park Emergency Room today. 

What Causes a TBI?

TBIs occur when brain functioning is disrupted by a blunt blow to the head. Minor TBIs are also called concussions, and they commonly result from sports injuries, car accidents, and major falls.

TBI Symptoms

TBIs and concussions are often accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Confusion / Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Decreased coordination
  • Drowsiness
  • One dilated pupil
  • A severe headache

If you or someone you know is experiencing more than one of these symptoms, we recommend you visit the ER. While many people bounce back quickly after a head injury, some experience internal bleeding that can be life threatening without proper medical treatment.

How to Diagnose TBIs

An ER doctor will perform several tests to determine the severity of the head injury. He or she may ask a series of questions or implement a variety of motor-skill tests. CT scans or MRI scans may also be used to take pictures of the brain and determine the level of trauma. Sometimes the brain injury does not show up on the digital images, but that doesn’t mean that a TBI is not present. An ER doctor will do a thorough check-up to ensure that the head trauma victim is properly diagnosed.

Recovering from a TBI

A concussion or mild TBI can often be overcome within a couple of weeks, but the key to recovery is rest. Most emergency room doctors recommend that victims of a TBI abstain from reading, watching television, and using electronics. This may be for a few days or a few weeks, but cognitive rest is necessary. Getting proper sleep is also imperative in the healing process. People who suffer from a traumatic brain injury are likely to be more tired than normal.

Don’t Hesitate to Visit the Emergency Room

The risk associated with brain trauma is high, and TBIs can cause death in extreme cases. If there is any chance that you or someone you know may have a concussion or TBI, visit a medical professional at the ER promptly. At Highland Park, Preston Hollow, and Lakewood Emergency Room, we have the medical equipment and the detailed knowledge to diagnose TBI’s and recommend treatment protocols. Don’t hesitate to visit an ER – the risk is too high.

How Parents Can Be Prepared for a Pediatric Emergency

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Little girl holding inhaler mask.Kids get sick or hurt all the time, and you never know when you’ll be faced with a pediatric emergency.  You need to be prepared in case you have to get your kids help quickly when they are hurt. Highland Park Emergency Room in Dallas have two convenient locations so parents can seek assistance for their kids right away. Knowing where to take your children in case of illness will allow you to save time when they actually get sick or hurt. This will get you on the road and in the right direction more quickly.  You should also have a few things ready in advance. This way, you will be able to get your kids the care they require more quickly.

Being Prepared to Get Help in Case of a Pediatric Emergency

Parents should have a few things ready in case they ever need to respond to a pediatric emergency. For example, you should make a list of allergies that your children have. Remember to write down if your kids are allergic to any medications or have had an adverse drug reaction to any types of drugs they have taken. Kids could also be allergic to things like the dye that is used in CT scans or to latex in medical gloves. Having a list of allergies written down lets you provide this information to care providers. It also ensures that you will not forget anything important in the heat of the moment. If you are not home when kids get sick or hurt and a babysitter or relative needs to take your kids to the ER in case of a pediatric emergency, this list will be invaluable.

Other Ways to be Prepared for a Pediatric Emergency

In addition to listing allergies that children have, you also need to make a list of current medications that your kids are taking. These medications could interact badly with drugs or treatments that the ER may consider to tread your child’s current illness. Having a list in advance ensures that your child is not administered any drugs that could cause an adverse drug interaction.  Having your insurance card available can also be beneficial in case of an emergency, so you should keep your insurance card along with the list of allergies and drugs together in one place.

Responding to a Pediatric Emergency

If your child has a pediatric emergency, you and your son or daughter will benefit from your advanced preparations. Get your information together today! It’s impossible to foresee when a problem will arise. If an issue does occur, Highland Park Emergency Room in Dallas are prepared to help.

How to Tell if You Need Medical Help After a Minor Emergency

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young boy holding a blue ice pack to his headLots of people will experience a minor emergency in which they suffer a deceptively small injury. Minor emergencies range from cutting yourself with a knife to sustaining a sprain or a bump to the head. When you get hurt in a minor emergency, you may think it’s just something to power through. If you have doubt, you should visit Highland Park Emergency Room in Dallas. Our medical staff can help you be safe rather than sorry.

Does Your Minor Emergency Need Medical Attention?

There are a few situations for which you should get medical help, even after a seemingly minor emergency. One situation where you want to see a doctor is if you were hit in the head. There is no such thing as a minor head injury. Even a simple concussion can have serious lasting consequences. Other minor emergency warning signs can include:

  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Severe vomiting
  • Sudden dizziness, weakness, or changes in vision
  • Breathing problems

As a result, getting medical attention is essential to your well being. Any minor emergency that is accompanied by these symptoms need emergency attention. They are signs that something minor may not be that minor after all.

Better Safe Than Sorry

For many people, it may not seem worth the hassle to get help with minor emergencies. As a result, even people who have persistent symptoms or pain may avoid medical aArm with nasty looking, but not too deep, lacerations down the hand and forearm.ttention. Unfortunately, some serious health ailments do not show symptoms right away. So, you can actually be in danger without knowing it. You cannot take a chance when it comes to your health. No matter how
minor you think your injury is, seek out the proper medical attention to rule out anything serious.

Visit Us for Help

When you visit Highland Park Emergency Room, we guarantee prompt and effective medical care. Since you don’t have to cope with the long waits of a traditional ER, it makes sense to come in and make sure your minor emergency really is a minor one. Contact us today to find out more.

What Does a 24 Hour Emergency Room Do?

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Cropped picture of a doctor examining bruises on a patient's knee at a 24 hour emergency roomA 24 hour emergency room provides emergency medical care to patients at any time, day or night. If you are in Dallas, you have some good options when it comes to the quality of your care. You can go to a traditional ER, which can be a big hassle. Dallas patients could also go to Highland Park Emergency Room to receive treatment at a freestanding ER that can provide better service.

Services Offered at a 24 Hour Emergency Room

Highland Park Emergency Room provide the same services as a traditional ER. You can get comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment for any emergency illnesses and/or injuries. However, you won’t have to deal with the long waits that are typical in a traditional ER. Additionally, both of our ERs offer diagnostic imaging and onsite labs.

Treatment at Our 24 Hour Emergency Room

For patients in Dallas with frightening medical symptoms or injuries, a visit to a 24 hour emergency room is often the best solution. For example, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and other photo of a medical staff member treating a young woman's chin scrapeconcerning symptoms can point to several serious conditions. Unfortunately, these symptoms can strike at anytime. Similarly, infant and child fevers, falls, and other emergencies are situations where you can’t afford to wait. Highland Park Emergency Room provide timely diagnostic services to put your mind at ease and allow you to begin prompt treatment. We help in a wide variety of situations so you can get a high level of care to address your health needs.

Contact a 24 Hour Emergency Room Today

When you need a 24 hour emergency room, visit Highland Park Emergency Room in Dallas. You will see why we are a trusted care provider for patients throughout the Dallas area. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Five Reasons to Visit an Emergency Room

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Closeup on man treating his injured painful swollen forehead that needs the attention of an emergency room staffVisiting an emergency room is not something anyone ever wants to do. Still, if you are facing symptoms of a serious illness or an injury, you need immediate medical help. Obviously, if you have a condition like a gunshot wound or have been in an accident and sustained serious injuries, getting to the ER as soon as possible is a no-brainer. However, there are many situations where you need to visit Highland Park Emergency Room in Dallas.  Here are five key times when an illness means you should head to the ER.

A Fever in a New Born Baby

When a child is badly ill, it becomes very important to get to the ER because kids are at risk of lots of life-threatening illnesses that may not be as high risk to adults. If your child is under three months old, you should go to the ER if their temperature is 100.4 or higher.

A Fever of 102 or Higher in an Older Child

For older children, you may not need ER care until your child’s fever is 102 or higher. This is a serious symptom and can lead to many complications. High fevers that last for 4 hours or more can be life- threatening.

Fever, Headaches, and a Rash in Children

In addition, if your child is sick and symptoms include a bad headache, and a widespread rash, this could indicate a serious infection. A non-blanching rash could indicate conditions like sepsis or meningitis, which can be life-threatening.

Chest Pain in Adults

Remember, chest pain is the main indicator of a heart attack. If an older adult is suffering from chest pains or pain in their left arm, leave to the ER immediately. You may be saving a life.

Severe Abdominal Painemergency room female staff member putting a concerned hand on a woman suffering from abdominal pain

Finally, severe abdominal pain that lasts for several hours needs medical attention. Stomach aches, pregnancy, and food poisoning may be common, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit a doctor. Abdominal pain that lasts for several hours can point to a serious condition like appendicitis or bowel obstruction.

Choose the Right Emergency Room

When you have symptoms causing concern, visit the emergency room to make sure you aren’t dealing with anything serious. Many patients in Dallas come to Highland Park Emergency Room because we provide fast, efficient care without long waits. In addition, we have onsite lab and diagnostic capabilities to ensure your experience is both fast and effective. Contact us today to find out more.

Is it Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning?

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Young woman suffering from food poisoning or the stomach flu, vomiting into the toilet bowl If you are vomiting, you need to determine if you have a stomach flu or if you have food poisoning. Determining what the cause of your vomiting is can help a doctor to identify what treatment, if any, you should undergo.  When you are feeling nauseous and ill, it is also important to get medical help so you can be kept hydrated and watched for signs of complications. These are usually common symptoms that bring people into an emergency room. At Highland Park Emergency Room, our emergency medical professionals are available at all times to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, can be caused by a parasite, virus, or bacteria. When you have the stomach flu, it is often accompanied by:

  • fever
  • chills
  • aches
  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea

Other symptoms can also occur. Food poisoning can have very similar symptoms to stomach flu, although a fever, headaches, and muscle aches are more likely to be signs of the flu than food view of woman's abdomen, in a sweater and blue t-shirt, clutching her stomach in an attempt to prevent vomitingpoisoning.  By contrast, physical pain in the belly is more likely to be caused by food poisoning than by stomach flu. Either way, vomiting can result in dehydration, complicating your condition.

Address Your Vomiting Symptoms

It is imperative that you go to a doctor if you have bloody diarrhea, if your stomach pain is severe, if you are throwing up blood, if you cannot drink or eat, or if symptoms persist. A doctor may run blood tests, urine tests, and take fecal samples, among other diagnostic tools. The goal is to find out if you have food poisoning or the flu and to identify the pathogens that are making you sick so you can be treated correctly. Highland Park Emergency Room have emergency board certified doctors available 24/7, including holidays, to provide treatment. Contact us to find out more today.

The Ultrasound as a Diagnostic Tool

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woman getting ultrasound diagnostic from doctor- available at Highland Park Emergency Room in DallasAn ultrasound is a diagnostic test that works based on sound waves.  Ultrasounds can be used during pregnancy, but also for many other reasons as well. When you have an internal problem, getting help from medical professionals who can provide an ultrasound and interpret the results is essential.  Ultrasounds are a diagnostic tool that is used in both Highland Park Emergency Room by qualified medical professionals to correctly diagnose your health emergencies.

How Does an Ultrasound Work?

Ultrasounds work by transmitting sound waves into the body, where they travel until they hit a boundary in between different types of tissue, bone, or fluid. When the waves bounce back, an image is created based on the sound waves.  In conventional ultrasound, the image is displayed in thin flat sections. Advancements have now allowed for 3D ultrasounds to be taken when necessary for diagnostic purposes or when pregnant women want to get a clearer look at their babies. This diagnostic imaging is typically used for:

  • Fetal Health and Development
  • Exploratory Examinations
  • Finding Tumors and Growths
  • Detecting Blocked ArteriesScanning the neck to check a thyroid with an ultrasound
  • Diagnosing Vascular Problems
  • Pinpointing Problems in the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, prostate, kidneys and testicles

Getting a Diagnosis Using an Ultrasound

You need a trained professional to conduct an ultrasound in order to get an accurate test and result to treat your emergency or condition. At  Highland Park Emergency Room, ultrasounds are available and medical professionals can perform ultrasounds for diagnosis. Our freestanding ERs offer no wait, fast results, and quaity medical care by emergency board certified professionals  you can count on. Contact us today for more information.

How to Know if You Have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

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Paper with urinary tract infection and pills.A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a very common condition that people get. In fact, UTIs are the second most common infection type that people come down with.  They can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, and it could be caused by fungus, by a virus, or by bacteria. Bacteria is the most common cause of urinary tract infections.  You will need to see a doctor if you suspect you have contracted one, whether bacteria or another pathogen is the cause of it. Highland Park Emergency Room provide diagnostic care and treatment for not only UTIs, but other major and minor emergencies as well.

Determining if You Have a Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can vary from person to person. In general, however, some of the common red flags that could suggest you might have a UTI include:

  • a strong urge to urinate which often results in passing only a small amount
  • a burning feeling during urination
  • passing urine that looks cloudy, red, pink, or the color of coke

When women come down with it, they frequently feel pelvic pain in the area located around the public bone.  Both men and women with a UTI usually have urine which smells very strongly.  Young man doctor holding a urine and blood sample for urinary tract infection diagnosis

Getting Treatment Help for a Urinary Tract Infection

Many adults discount the symptoms or treat those symptoms as something else.  You need to get a diagnosis and make sure you treat a UTI before the infection spreads and complications arise. Treatment is usually possible with antibiotics and you can get fast relief from symptoms as well as making sure you don’t experience further health issues. Contact us today or visit Highland Park Emergency Room for help treating this issue before it gets worse. We’re here to help.

Broken or Sprained- How an Xray Can Tell

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doctor reading xray

If you’re injured and aren’t sure if you’ve broken a bone or just suffered a sprain, you need to get an Xray. An Xray makes it possible to look inside of the body to see if the bone is fractured or if the bone is intact. If you are in Dallas and want an accurate diagnosis of a broken bone, you can get an Xray done at Highland Park Emergency Room. You should get this testing done as soon as possible to find out if you need a cast because if the bone starts to heal on its own and does not heal correctly, it could need to be re-broken to be set.

How Does an XRAY Diagnose a Broken Bone?

Xrays must be performed by trained radiologists. You will be positioned by the radiologist so the correct pictures can be taken.  Only the soft tissue- like organs and skin- allow the Xray beams to pass through.   The denser materials, like the bones of the body, absorb the radiation that is being doctor and older man looking over xrayprojected in the thin beam.  The film is developed and it is easy to see where the beam passed through. The solid areas where it did not pass through are the bone structure, so the doctor can see where the bones are and whether they are broken. Broken bones should be set as soon as possible so the bone can begin healing in the correct position.

Getting An Accurate Diagnosis for a Fracture or Sprain

Highland Park Emergency Room both have diagnostic imaging technology and trained radiologists on staff. All of our physicians and nurses are emergency board certified, guaranteeing that they are ready for any and all emergencies. Visit these ERs if you suspect you may have a fracture so you can get the diagnosis you need, or contact us for more information today. 

What Services Does a Freestanding ER Provide?

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ER heart monitor

Highland Park Emergency Room are freestanding ER facilities in the Dallas area.  Freestanding ERs offer the same type of medical care and the same treatment options, including diagnostic care, that a traditional ER would. The freestanding ER is simply not attached to a full hospital facility.

Services Provided by a Freestanding ER

There are comprehensive regulations that are designed to make sure a freestanding ER will provide the same types of treatments to patients as they could get if they went to an emergency room that was attached to a hospital facility.  In order to call itself an ER, for example, the facility has to have diagnostic tools like a CT-scan and an ultrasound machine. The freestanding facility also is required to be open for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it must have a doctor available in order to provide treatments for patients. The regulations that apply to ensure freestanding ERs have a comprehensive array of features can allow patients to feel at ease about visiting a freestanding facility in Dallas when they need care, rather than going to a traditional facility attached to a full hospital.

Getting Medical Care at a Freestanding ER

When you need medical care, the last thing that you want to do is find yourself waiting hours to  see a doctor- which is unfortunately the likely outcome if you visit a traditional emergency room.  Highland Park Emergency Room are different. Freestanding ERs let patients get high quality care without the wait.  Visit us when you are sick or hurt to see how we can help you to get an accurate diagnosis and get on the recovery path.