MLA Domain 5 · Presentation

Burns

8 conditions in Finalist present this way. Work down the list and ask what would separate each one from the next — that discriminator is the exam question.

classic presentation · 2

Burns

Airway/inhalation injury (early intubation before swelling), circumferential burns (escharotomy), large %TBSA, electrica

Syringomyelia

Progressive cord signs, brainstem involvement (syringobulbia), or a causative Chiari/tumour → neurosurgical referral

recognised feature · 3

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Active major bleeding → blood-product support (platelets, FFP, cryoprecipitate) while treating the cause

Gram-negative & anaerobic organisms

Gram-negative sepsis → LPS-driven shock; Sepsis Six + broad-spectrum cover, source control

Tetanus

Established tetanus (spasms, laryngeal/respiratory involvement, autonomic storm) → ICU emergency

differential of the above · 3

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Rapid deterioration, bladder/bowel involvement, or significant cord signal change → urgent neurosurgical/spinal referral

Multiple sclerosis

Acute relapse with disabling features; progressive course; tumefactive/atypical presentations

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome

Dehydration and secondary infection; neonates and the systemically unwell need admission