What is Altered Mental State or status?

An altered mental status (AMS) isn’t a specific disease. It’s a change in mental function that stems from illnesses, disorders and injuries affecting your brain. It leads to changes in awareness, movement, and behaviors.

What are the types of altered mental status?

There are three types:

Delirium occurs suddenly and is a medical emergency. A person with delirium may act disoriented, be distracted and exhibit unusual behaviors. This type of AMS is reversible.
Dementia is a progressive disorder causing a decline in mental function that affects daily life. It primarily affects older adults. In advanced stages, a person loses awareness of their identity and surroundings.
Psychosis, due to a medical condition or medication, is a temporary condition in which a person loses touch with reality. They may experience disturbing thoughts, as well as sights and sounds that aren’t real.

What are the causes of altered mental status?

In people with dementia, progressive mental decline is the natural course of the disease.

A sudden altered mental status, such as delirium and psychosis, can be due to issues with nearly any organ system. Potential causes include:

Central nervous system issues
Brain bleed (hemorrhage)
Brain tumor
Hepatic encephalopathy.
Obstructive hydrocephalus, is fluid build-up in your brain that increases pressure in your skull.
Seizure
Stroke

Metabolic disorders

Dehydration.
Hypothermia.
Low blood oxygen (hypoxemia)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia)
Low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia)
Under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Adverse reactions to prescription drugs

Anti-seizure medications
Anticholinergics, a group of drugs that control involuntary muscle movements
Corticosteroids
Sedatives, which help you relax
Sleeping pills

Infections

Other causes

Cardiogenic and other types of shock.
Overdose or withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, and other controlled substances.
Traumatic brain injury.

What to Expect

When you visit iCare, our team of exceptional and experienced physicians will immediately assess your situation, employ life-saving intervention as needed, assess your medical history and provide a physical examination. Your care team, lead by experience ER Physicians may perform further laboratory tests. Once you are diagnosed, a treatment plan will be provided based on the severity of your condition and symptoms. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

Irritated, red, or crusty eyes? A stye or pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be painful, contagious, and disruptive—but most cases are treatable with prompt care. At iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, TX, our clinicians evaluate eye redness, discharge, and eyelid swelling, provide targeted treatment, and help you prevent complications—all in one location.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Causes & Care

Pink eye is inflammation of the thin tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the white of the eye. Symptoms include redness, tearing, burning, itching, gritty sensation, and discharge that sticks lashes together.

Common causes

Viral conjunctivitis (often with a cold)
Bacterial infection (more likely to cause thick yellow/green discharge)
Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery; often a related skin condition such as eczema/atopy)
Irritant/chemical exposure (smoke, chlorine, cleaning products)

Treatment

Lubricating drops and cool/warm compresses for comfort
Prescription antibiotic drops/ointment when bacterial signs are present—especially for contact lenses wearers (higher corneal risk)
Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer drops for allergies
Strict hygiene: don’t share towels, pause contact lenses, and don’t wear eye makeup until cleared; replace old mascara and lens cases

Seek same-day care for severe pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, contact lens–related pain, trauma, or if a newborn has discharge/redness.

Styes (Hordeolum) & Chalazia: That Small Painful Lump on the Eyelid

A stye is a tender, small painful lump along the lash line or inside the lid. It results from a blocked and inflamed eyelash follicle or oil producing gland that becomes infected—most often by skin bacteria.

External styes: Involve a lash follicle or glands of Zeis/Moll at the lid margin; usually look like a pimple on the lid edge.
Internal styes: Deeper, arising from meibomian (oil) glands on the inner lid; swelling may be more pronounced.
Chalazion: A firm, typically painless lump that can follow a stye when trapped oil hardens; less inflamed, more like a cyst.

Why they happen
Blepharitis (lid margin inflammation), rosacea (a facial skin condition), poor lid hygiene, old cosmetics, and contact lenses increase risk. Most styes begin as blockage and progress to a localized bacterial infection.

How to Get Rid of a Stye (Safe Home Care)

Gentle, consistent heat and hygiene help the gland drain and heal.

Warm compresses: Apply a warm washcloth soaked in warm water for 10–15 minutes, 3–5 times a day. Re-warm as it cools.
Lid hygiene: After compresses, try gently massaging the lid (downward on the upper lid, upward on the lower) to encourage drainage—avoid squeezing.
No makeup or lenses: Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the eye is calm and your clinician okays it.
Pain relief: Lubricating drops, acetaminophen/ibuprofen (as appropriate) can ease soreness.

Avoid: Popping or squeezing, sharp tools, or “home surgeries.” These can worsen infection, cause scarring, or spread bacteria.

When to See iCare (Or Call 911)

Come to iCare ER & Urgent Care today if you have:

A stye or chalazion not improving after 48–72 hours of proper warm compresses
Spreading redness, increasing eyelid swelling, fever, or pain with eye movement (possible preseptal/orbital cellulitis)
Recurrent styes/chalazia (may need evaluation for blepharitis, rosacea, or meibomian gland dysfunction)
Contact lenses + eye pain/redness (higher risk for corneal infection)
Significant discharge, light sensitivity, or decreased vision

Call 911 for chemical exposure, severe trauma, sudden vision loss, or a “curtain” across vision.

What to Expect at iCare ER & Urgent Care (Frisco, Forney & Fort Worth)

Rapid eye exam: Visual acuity, slit-lamp evaluation, fluorescein staining (if needed) to check the cornea, and careful inspection of the lid margin and glands.
Personalized treatment:
- Pink eye: Guidance on hygiene; prescription antibiotic drops/ointment when bacterial; allergy drops for allergic cases.
- Stye/chalazion: Continued warm compresses plus Rx antibiotic ointment when indicated; pain control; lid hygiene coaching.
Procedures when needed: For persistent or large internal styes or chalazia, we may recommend in-clinic procedures or arrange ophthalmology care for incision and curettage.
Prevention plan: Lid scrub routines, cosmetic/lens hygiene updates, trigger management (allergies, rosacea), and when to resume contact lenses or wear eye makeup safely.
Follow-up & referrals: If advanced imaging or specialist care is needed, we coordinate quickly so you get answers without delay.

Practical Care Tips (At a Glance)

Use a clean warm washcloth and warm water for compresses several times a day.
Wash hands before and after eye care; avoid touching/rubbing eyes.
Pause contact lenses and replace the case/lenses as advised.
Toss old cosmetics; never share makeup or eye drops.
Keep lids clean (diluted baby shampoo or lid wipes if recommended).
Manage underlying skin condition (blepharitis/rosacea) to reduce recurrences.

Why Choose iCare for Pink Eye & Stye Care

All in one location: Exam, slit-lamp assessment, medications, and procedures without extra stops.
ER-experienced providers: Skilled at distinguishing viral vs. bacterial infection, stye vs. chalazion, and spotting emergencies early.
Kid- and adult-friendly care: Clear instructions, fast relief, and return-to-school/work guidance.
Short waits + online check-in: Walk in or reserve your spot for faster service.
Convenient North Texas locations in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth.

Red, painful, or swollen eye? Get relief—and protect your vision—at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth, TX. Walk-ins welcome or check in online now.

Effective Nasal Congestion & Sinus Infection Treatment at iCare ER & Urgent Care

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we understand that nasal congestion and sinus infections can be incredibly uncomfortable, affecting your daily life. Our expert medical team is here to provide prompt and comprehensive treatment for these common issues. In this article, we’ll delve into what causes nasal congestion and sinus infections, how we treat them, and why you should trust iCare for your healthcare needs. Additionally, we’ll discuss our approach to cold and flu-like symptoms, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic, and the advanced Biofire testing available at our in-house laboratory.

What Causes Nasal Congestion and Sinus Infections?

Nasal congestion and sinus infections often go hand in hand. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Viral Infections: Common cold viruses and influenza can lead to nasal congestion and sinus infections.
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections can develop when the sinuses become blocked, leading to inflammation and pain.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger nasal congestion.
Environmental Factors: Smoke, pollution, and dry air can irritate the nasal passages and sinuses.
Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis can cause recurring sinus infections and congestion.

How Are Nasal Congestion and Sinus Infections Treated?

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our experienced medical professionals will evaluate your condition and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. Treatment options may include:

Medications: Depending on the underlying cause, we may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections, antihistamines for allergies, or decongestants to relieve nasal congestion.
Nasal Irrigation: For sinus infections, we may recommend nasal irrigation to help clear mucus and reduce inflammation.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can alleviate discomfort.
Rest and Hydration: Adequate rest and hydration are crucial for a speedy recovery.

Why Choose iCare for Nasal Congestion & Sinus Infection Treatment?

When you choose iCare ER & Urgent Care for nasal congestion and sinus infection treatment, you benefit from:

Timely Care: We offer convenient walk-in appointments and extended hours, ensuring you receive prompt care when you need it most.
Skilled Medical Team: Our board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating these conditions.
Advanced Testing: In response to the pandemic, we provide Biofire testing as an ER service in our in-house laboratory. This nasal swab test can detect 21 different respiratory illnesses, including flu A, flu B, rhinovirus, and COVID-19, providing accurate and quick results.
Comprehensive Approach: We take a comprehensive approach to your health, addressing both the immediate symptoms and underlying causes.

Don’t let nasal congestion and sinus infections disrupt your life. Trust iCare ER & Urgent Care for effective treatment and peace of mind. Contact us or visit one of our facilities today to experience the iCare difference in healthcare. Your health is our priority.

Diarrhea Treatment at iCare ER & Urgent Care

Introduction: At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we understand that unexpected health concerns can disrupt your life. Diarrhea is a common ailment that can affect anyone at any time. Fortunately, our expert medical team is here to provide you with prompt, compassionate, and effective treatment for diarrhea. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes diarrhea, how it’s treated, and why you should trust iCare for your healthcare needs.

What Causes Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose or watery stools and increased frequency of bowel movements. It can be caused by various factors, including:

Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can lead to diarrhea. Contaminated food or water is a common source of such infections.
Food Sensitivities: Some individuals may experience diarrhea as a result of food sensitivities or allergies. Lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity are examples.
Medications: Certain medications, especially antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria and result in diarrhea.
Stress: High levels of stress and anxiety can affect the digestive system, leading to diarrhea.
Underlying Health Conditions: Chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea.

How Is Diarrhea Treated?
The treatment for diarrhea largely depends on its underlying cause and severity. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our experienced medical professionals will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment options may include:

Rehydration: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so replenishing fluids is crucial. Our medical team can provide intravenous (IV) fluids if necessary.
Medications: Depending on the cause of your diarrhea, medications may be prescribed to treat infections or over-the-counter medication recommendations can be given to alleviate symptoms.
Dietary Guidance: Our healthcare providers can offer dietary recommendations to help manage diarrhea, such as avoiding trigger foods and ensuring a balanced diet.
Addressing Underlying Conditions: If an underlying medical condition is contributing to your diarrhea, we can assist in diagnosis or recommendations and referrals to treat that condition.

Why Choose iCare for Diarrhea Treatment?
When you choose iCare ER & Urgent Care for your diarrhea treatment, you benefit from:

Experienced Medical Team: Our board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals have extensive experience in treating a wide range of medical conditions, including diarrhea.
State-of-the-Art Facility: iCare is equipped with modern medical technology, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Convenience: We offer extended hours and walk-in appointments, making it easy for you to receive timely care when you need it most.
Compassionate Care: At iCare, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care with empathy and understanding.

Don’t let diarrhea disrupt your life any longer. Visit iCare ER & Urgent Care for prompt and effective treatment. Your health and well-being are our top priorities. Contact us or make an appointment online.

Overview – Bronchitis Treatment

No matter what your age, untamable coughing can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but especially for young children. From allergies to bronchitis treatment, our board-certified physicians at iCare ER & Urgent Care can assist in relieving your symptoms whether your condition is treated as urgent care or as an emergency.What is Bronchitis?

The condition that falls in between the common cold and pneumonia in severity is called bronchitis. Symptoms include a frequent cough that produces mucus, fatigue, fever, and a wheezing sound when breathing. Find out how to treat, or better yet, prevent bronchitis.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Symptoms of bronchitis include:

A cough that is frequent and produces mucus.
A lack of energy.
A wheezing sound when breathing (may or may not be present).
A fever (may or may not be present).
Shortness of breath

What is the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia?

In terms of symptoms, these two diseases may seem very similar. Both cause cough, fever, fatigue, and a heavy feeling in your chest. Bronchitis can sometimes progress to pneumonia.

Despite similarities, the conditions are different. First, bronchitis involves the bronchial tubes, while pneumonia affects the alveoli, or the air sacs in the lungs. Second, pneumonia symptoms are usually much worse. In addition, pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in older people and other vulnerable groups.

If your symptoms do not get better, it is best to be seen by a medical care provider.

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

At iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care your care team will do a physical examination and take a medical history. They may ask if you have had a cold recently, how long your cough has lasted, and if you produce mucus when you cough. In addition, they may order a chest X-ray, tests for viruses in your upper respiratory secretions or blood tests.

Bronchitis Treatment

The treatment for bronchitis depends on what type you have. If you have acute bronchitis, you might not need any treatment. Or you might use over-the-counter drugs that break up mucus or that treat fever or pain. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.

If you have chronic bronchitis, treatment will be different and is recommended to be seen by a primary care provider.

When you visit iCare in either Frisco or Fort Worth, our team of doctors and nurses will evaluate, diagnose and plan treatment. Our medical practitioners are experienced in a range of medical treatments to help you get to feeling your best again. Walk-ins are always welcome, appointments recommended.

Patients who have had COVID-19 within the last 6 months are unable to be cleared by iCare due to American Academy of Pediatrics requirements .

Whether your child is getting ready for sports, school, or camp, a physical is the first step in making sure they’re healthy and ready for any activity. iCare offers these physicals for just $40 for ages 5-18.

What is a school or sports physical?

A School & Sports Physical is often required by schools, camps or other sports programs to assess your child’s overall health before participating in physical activity / sports or other programs that may require a physical. School physicals and sports physicals raise awareness of any issues that may interfere with your child’s ability to participate in a sport. Your healthcare provider can identify areas that may be prone to injury and suggest tips and exercises to avoid future problems.

What is the cost of school or sports physical?

At iCare, we are happy to provide affordable school and sports physicals for $40 cash pay only in our urgent care.

What to bring to my visit?

To help expedite wait times please have school/camp provided physical form filled out prior to arrival.

Overview

If you look for the nearest bathroom everywhere you go, then you know that bladder problems can be a huge source of pain or embarrassment. From urinary tract infections to urinary incontinence, our board-certified physicians at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco and South Fort Worth, TX are experienced in treating your bladder problems. With an on-site laboratory, we have the tools necessary to test, diagnose, and treat many urinary tract infections or incontinence.

Bladder Conditions

UTI/Bladder Infections

Bladder infections are a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that are painful infections in the urinary tract. The urinary tract is made up of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and the urethra — any of which can become infected. While bacteria is usually flushed out of the urethra during urination, it can sometimes remain and grow into an infection that travels through the urinary tract system. While some of these infections are simple and can be treated with medication, others are complicated, meaning they may be resistant to medication and can spread. Our experienced physicians can help you find which type of infection you have when you visit iCare. If you experience the following symptoms, you should come in to seek treatment:

Pain while urinating — usually a burning or stinging sensation
A constant or frequent urge to urinate, with little to no urine coming out
Cloudy or reddish urine
Urine with a strong smell
Leaking urine
The need to urinate several times during the night
Pain in the back or beneath the ribs, where the kidneys are
Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting

Since UTIs can often cause more serious problems when left untreated, you should visit a doctor as soon as you notice the first symptoms of a UTI. Complicated UTIs can spread and cause permanent damage to the bladder and kidneys, or enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. You should come in immediately if you are pregnant, or if you have a fever of 101.5º F or higher. If you have recurring UTIs, we can perform tests to find the right treatment for you. If you’ve already been treated for a recent UTI, but your symptoms persist or worsen after taking antibiotics for 2 days, you should return to iCare as soon as possible.

Incontinence

The causes of involuntary urinary incontinence vary greatly. Most people feel a frequent urge to urinate and may even leak urine before getting to the bathroom. Incontinence can be caused by:

Recurrent coughing with force
Problems with the pelvic floor muscles
Abnormalities of the bladder
Bladder infections
Kidney stones
Neurological disorders

Seeking Medical Care and What to Expect

When you visit an iCare with bladder issues like a urinary tract infection or urinary incontinence, our qualified team of medical practitioners will first conduct a medical history interview. Then our physician will often order lab tests. Our comprehensive laboratory facilities ensure quick results, often within 15 minutes.

Treatment for incontinence varies and is dependent on the underlying cause. Our physicians may prescribe medication, suggest behavior strategies or refer you to a specialist. While bladder issues are usually seen in our urgent care, some instances may require treatment in our ER, such as a urinary tract infection combined with fever, pain, and vomiting.

Visit one of our locations today. Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are recommended.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a heart condition, which can be chronic, occurring when blood is pumped through the artery walls with more force than usual. Often without a known cause, the symptoms of high blood pressure can include headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, or stroke.

Seeking Medical Care

Since heart conditions can be some of the most serious health risks, we recommend visiting an emergency medical facility like iCare immediately if you experience the symptoms listed above. These conditions can be detrimental to your health if you are not treated medically. If you need emergency care for a heart attack, relief from high blood pressure, or anything in between, come in to iCare for treatment.

What to Expect

When you visit one of our iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care locations, our team of exceptional and experienced physicians will immediately assess your situation and determine whether you should be treated in the ER or in urgent care. In most cases, patients with heart conditions are sent to the ER, especially if the condition is life-threatening.

After a medical history interview and a physical examination, our team may perform further tests, such as chest X-rays, electrocardiograms and, blood tests. Once you are diagnosed, you will be treated in a variety of ways depending on the type and severity of your condition. For congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and high blood pressure, our team may prescribe varying medications and behavioral changes to manage your symptoms. For heart attacks, treatment may range from anti-coagulant medication, thrombolytic therapy, nitrates, ACLS (advanced cardiovascular life support), catheters, or central venous line insertion. If the patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

Uncontrolled Bleeding, seeking medical care

While some wounds can be treated at home with a little extra care, more serious wounds should be treated by medical professionals. Gaping wounds deeper than 1 inch and wounds that do not stop bleeding after you’ve applied pressure and elevated them for 10 – 15 minutes are usually serious enough to necessitate a trip to the ER. Bite wounds, both from humans or animals, should be treated as especially serious, including painful insect bites. Additionally, wounds caused by rusty nails, glass or wood splinters, or wounds that are showing early signs of infection should be seen by our medical practitioners.

If your wound begins to develop an infection, it is important to recognize the symptoms so they can be treated as early as possible. If redness begins to spread out from the wound, or if it begins to swell and increase in tenderness, or if you see green or yellow pus, you should seek medical attention immediately. Other signs include swollen lymph nodes, body aches, chills, or fever.

What to Expect

When you come to iCare with a wound injury, our highly trained staff will perform a physical exam to assess the seriousness of your wound. Depending on how large, deep, or infected it is, our team will treat you in the appropriate setting. After a medical history review and exam, our qualified doctor and nurses will clean and treat your wound, usually with stitches or antibiotic ointments. They will then dress or bandage your wound.

After your wound is treated at iCare, the practitioner will leave you with specific instructions for caring for your wound after your visit. However, as a general guide, it is best to keep all wounds clean in order to prevent infection. Wash your wound with clean water and a mild soap per your doctor’s instructions. If provided with an antibiotic cream, apply a thin layer before dressing it. Dress or bandage your wound loosely so that blood flow is not restricted, and be sure to change the dressing daily so that an infection does not begin to grow. Refrain from scratching any itchy scabs so that they can heal properly. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

What is Testicular Pain?

Testicular pain is pain that occurs in or around one or both testicles. Sometimes testicle pain actually originates from somewhere else in the groin or abdomen, and is felt in one or both testicles.

Please seek immediate medical attention at a hospital ER if you have a quick onset of sharp, constant testicular pain.

Causes of testicle pain or pain

can include:

Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes)
Epididymitis (testicle inflammation)
Hydrocele (fluid buildup that causes swelling of the scrotum)
Idiopathic testicular pain (unknown cause)
Inguinal hernia
Kidney stones
Mumps
Orchitis (inflamed testicle)
Prostatitis
Scrotal masses
Spermatocele (fluid buildup in the testicle)
Testicle injury or blow to the testicles
Testicular torsion (twisted testicle)
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

Schedule a doctor’s visit if you have:

- Mild testicle pain lasting longer than a few days
- A lump or swelling in or around a testicle

Seeking Immediate Care, What to Expect

When you visit the iCare, our team led by experienced ER physicians will immediately assess your situation, and provide a physical examination where the physician may order an ultrasound exam and or lab tests performed in our on-site lab. Once you are diagnosed, a treatment plan will be provided based on severity of your condition and symptoms. If discharged home, the ER physician will provide you with referrals for a Primary Care Physician or Neurologist. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

PATIENT REVIEWS

The staff at the Frisco location were courteous and supportive. The doctor as well as nurse practitioner were attentive to my needs and provided necessary healthcare recommendations as well as informative information to understand what numerous results would be detected from test results. I would highly recommend this facility for any healthcare needs.

Tomeka W.

I went there for a flu shot. They have online check-in, and you can wait in your car. The staff were wonderful.

D. M.

By far the best urgent care center I have been to. I don’t go anywhere else, now. I have never had to wait long, which is awesome… especially compared to the last place I went, where we were there for hours. They are very friendly, and I feel that they really listen to my concerns. I have been there for everything from allergic reactions to heart palpitations, COVID testing, and sinus infections. I take my sons there, too. Very good experience all the way around.

Renee E.

This E.R./urgent care was more than amazing. The staff was extremely tentative and detailed while in their care. I appreciate the care and service that I received. Thank you to the entire staff and facility for their service and care during our nations pandemic and the way you all gave excellent care.

M. Moore

I would surely recommend this place for anyone’s Urgent care needs. The entire staff from registration , nurses, x-ray techs, and doctor were extremely friendly, compassionate, timely, and thorough.