Carbon monoxide poisoning in patients presenting to the emergency department with a headache in winter months

Zorbalar N., Yesilaras M., Aksay E.

EMERGENCY MEDICINE JOURNAL, vol.31, no.E1, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: E1
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1136/emermed-2012-201712
  • Journal Name: EMERGENCY MEDICINE JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is an important reason for emergency department (ED) visits during winter months, but because there are no specific symptoms it can be difficult to diagnose. We aimed to determine the frequency of CO poisoning in patients presenting to the ED with headaches during winter months and evaluate the ability of non-invasive carboxyhaemoglobin measurement (SpCO) to screen for CO poisoning in these patients.