Ménière’s Disease-Don’t Blame the Patient

This patient had a very grave diagnosis and very severe symptoms. Physicians may not be able to cure her of this problem, but we can at least show compassion. The only thing worse than having a miserable medical problem is to have those who are supposed to be helping you not believe you.

References

1. Groopman J. How Doctors Think. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2007.
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2. Gianoli GJ, McWilliams S, Soileau JS, Belafsky PC. Posturographic performance in patients with secondary gain. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122(1):11-18.
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3. Hrobjartsson A, Gotzsche PC. Is the placebo powerless? An analysis of clinical trials comparing placebo with no treatment. NEJM 2001;344(21): 1594-1602.
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4. Shapiro AK. Semantics of placebo. Psychiatr Q 1968;24(4): 653-95.
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