Munchausen syndrome presenting as major trauma. Issue 2 (March 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meek, S J; Kendall, J; Cornelius, P; Younge, P A
• Is Part Of: Journal of accident & emergency medicine. Volume 13:Issue 2(1996)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 1996-03
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.13.2.137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2633-6138

Abstract

Abstract : The case is described of a man who feigned being struck by a vehicle, leading to an unnecessary major trauma response by the ambulance service and hospital. Suspicion that the patient suffered from Munchausen syndrome was confirmed by later investigation. Accident and emergency staff should file details of such patients on the department computer records system, where available, so that staff are alerted automatically to their presence, and share this information with neighbouring hospitals. All such patients should be treated according to ATLS guidelines until injury is ruled out, as for any other patient.