Main defect in Potter Syndrome

A. Exercise soon after eating to increase gastric emptying: Physical activity immediately after meals may actually worsen reflux symptoms by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and promoting acid reflux.

B. Try these proton-pump inhibitors for 2 weeks: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a first-line treatment for GERD. They reduce gastric acid production, promoting symptom relief and esophageal healing.

C. You need to schedule an upper GI endoscopy soon: Endoscopy is not immediately necessary unless there are alarm symptoms like dysphagia, weight loss, or bleeding. Initial management focuses on medication and lifestyle changes.

D. Over-the-counter antiemetics work well for this condition: Antiemetics are not effective in treating the underlying cause of GERD, which is acid reflux, not nausea or vomiting. They would not effectively treat the heartburn or esophageal inflammation associated with GERD.

A. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA presents with stroke-like symptoms that resolve within minutes to hours without permanent damage. Ms. Lauren’s symptom resolution within 6 hours and return to baseline strongly suggests a TIA. Prompt recognition is essential, as TIAs are often precursors to future strokes and require further evaluation.

B. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Hemorrhagic strokes typically present with sudden, severe symptoms such as intense headache, vomiting, or rapid loss of consciousness. These symptoms usually do not resolve quickly. Ms. Lauren’s gradual symptom resolution and stable vital signs are not consistent with this type of stroke.

C. Severe vision loss in both eyes: While visual disturbances can occur during strokes, bilateral severe vision loss is less common and would typically be seen in strokes involving the occipital lobes or vertebrobasilar system. Ms. Lauren’s case does not provide evidence of this symptom, hence an unlikely feature here.

D. Sudden loss of consciousness: Loss of consciousness is more common in massive strokes, particularly hemorrhagic ones or those involving the brainstem. Ms. Lauren remained awake and was able to report symptoms and anxiety, which rules out this presentation.

E. Sudden severe headache with vomiting: This symptom combination is more typical of a hemorrhagic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Ms. Lauren did not report a headache or vomiting, which makes this an unlikely symptom in her current presentation.

F. Ischemic Stroke: Ischemic strokes result in prolonged neurological deficits lasting more than 24 hours. Since Ms. Lauren’s symptoms are resolving within a short window and she is returning to baseline, this is less likely than a TIA in her situation.

G. Sudden weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body: This is a hallmark sign of a TIA or stroke. Ms. Lauren’s initial symptoms were stroke-like and likely included unilateral weakness or numbness, which are classic indicators of a TIA.