Dr. Stephen Matthew Asma, MD

Elderly patient fell and bumped forehead on hard surface resulting in moderate head and neck pain. The patient could not move her neck up, down, or sideways. She had a persistent cough during the examination. Dr. Asma spoke fast and did not encourage feedback. His diagnosis came quickly. He felt around the patients neck and explained that she had hit her forehead, that it jarred her muscles, and that is what was causing the pain. There was no expressed concern about her persistent cough. He advised that she return for a doctor-visit in three months. At home, the patient developed a severe headache and neck-ache. Thirteen hours later (4:00 a.m.) She asked to go to the emergency room. Diagnosis at the hospital was the following: occipital bone fracture and a small pneumonia in one lung.