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Munchausen syndrome presenting as major trauma
S J Meek1, J Kendall, P Cornelius
1Accident and Emergency Department, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Journal of Accident & Emergency Medicine
|March 1, 1996
Summary
A patient faked a vehicle collision, triggering a major trauma response. Investigations confirmed Munchausen syndrome, highlighting the need for improved information sharing among hospitals and adherence to trauma protocols.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Study
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatric Disorders
Background:
- Describes a case involving a patient who simulated a vehicular accident.
- This simulation resulted in a significant, yet unnecessary, major trauma response from emergency medical services and the hospital.
Observation:
- Suspicion of Munchausen syndrome arose during the patient's presentation.
- Subsequent investigations confirmed the diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome.
Findings:
- The patient feigned being struck by a vehicle, necessitating a major trauma response.
- Munchausen syndrome was confirmed through later investigation.
Implications:
- Recommends implementing a system for accident and emergency staff to record such patients in computer systems for automatic alerts.
- Advocates for sharing this information with neighboring hospitals to prevent future unnecessary responses.
- Emphasizes treating all patients, including those suspected of factitious disorders, according to Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines until injury is excluded.