Episode 82 - Serial Killer Series - Altered Mental Status

We often start with a diagnosis and teach from there – for example CHF, asthma, and COPD are all podcast topics we have previously tackled. But, how to get to the final diagnosis is often a process that all levels of emergency providers struggle with. To go from a chaotic scene with unstable vitals then filter to an organized differential. The “Serial Killer Series” is going to target the most common chief complaints and the killer diagnoses that you should always consider. We’re not going to spend time with non-emergent/chronic diagnoses, just the ones that are deadly when missed. That’s where we, as emergency providers, must begin. Today we’ll wrap up the series with the killers associated with acute altered mental status.