Pharmacology: When dialysis is not the treatment mnemonic

Video by Shilika!

Fact of the day: 'Experience- taking' from books

Today's fact is relatable for all medicos and books lovers <3

Yes, you can subconsciously take on the attributes of your favourite fictional characters when reading a story- not just the thoughts and beliefs of the character, but the whole state of being itself.

Well, it is more often seen in those who are depressed or who don't have much life experiences of their own.

Also, if the reader is able to relate experiences in the life of character of the story, he might take it to his own life and adopt the mindset and perspective of the character. This may lead to temporary or permanent changes in his real life.

Excessive openness to experiences may lead to schizotypal, narcissistic or paranoid personality disorders among others.


Happy reading :D

- Jaskunwar Singh

Fact of the day: Handedness arises from genes in the spinal cord

Handedness is an asymmetry arising due to left-right differences in the development of nervous system. Evidences suggest that a human embryo of eight weeks is able to move its right arm more than the left arm.

Well, if you know something about neurologic development in-utero, you must know that at eight weeks signals are not transmitted from the brain yet. Instead the signals travel from the spinal cord.

The left side of the cord matures faster than the right cord. This means the genes that control growth and development are activated faster on the left cord than the right one. In the hindbrain, it is the other way around.


That's all
- Jaskunwar Singh

Brucellosis and it's reservoirs mnemonic

Hello!

Here's a mnemonic on Brucellosis and it's reservoirs! :)

Catalase positive organisms mnemonic

Hello!

Here's a mnemonic on Catalase positive organisms :)

Video by Huzaifa Bhopalwala

Enzymes requiring thiamine mnemonic

Can you enlist the enzymes requiring thiamine?

If you can, give yourself a pat on the back and don't read further.

If you can't, give yourself a pat on the back, because you are going to learn how to remember it! :D

Causes of elevated JVP mnemonic

Hey Awesomites

Jugular vein is on a high and stretching out on the RAPs of  "the CREST" .. wohhooo.. :D

R- Right ventricular failure
A- Atrial septal defect (with mitral valve disease)
P- Pericardial compression/ tamponade

C- Circulatory overload
R- Renal failure
E- Excess fluid administration
S- Superior vena cava obstruction
T- Tricuspid stenosis


Hope you enjoy the crest too ;p

- Jaskunwar Singh

Difference between Caput Succedaneum and Cephalhematoma

Hello everyone!
Lemme tell you the difference between Caput Succedaneum and Cephalhematoma today! :)

Bishops score and Manning score mnemonic

Another video by Shilika!

Immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics for leukemias: Part 2

Here's part 2! On Chronic myeloid, chronic lympoid and MDS!

Immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

Hello!

The Romberg's test does not test cerebellar function

The Romberg's test does not test cerebellar function.

This is a topic that most medical students discuss at some point of time. I have found myself in the midst of similar conversations over my years at medical school.

After much study, I happened to reach an understanding that clarified the purpose of the test and provided a way to understand the results as well.

It would help if you think of the cerebellum as a processor (such as a C.P.U. in a computer).
There are 3 main inputs:


Romberg's test (3 steps):
1. Ask patient to stand with feet together.
2. Ask patient to close both eyes.
3. Maintain the posture for 60 seconds.

The Romberg's test is positive if the patient cannot stand for 60 seconds with feet together and eyes closed.

It is essential to understand that without the processor, the inputs do not matter (as there will be no output and no result).
Thus in Cerebellar ataxia, the patient will be unable to perform any of the above 3 steps and thus the Romberg's test cannot be performed on this patient.

In a situation where the cerebellar function is intact and Romberg's test is performed:
The first input (Vision) is lost when the eyes are closed.
It is now unto the 2 other pathways (Proprioceptive and Vestibular pathways) to provide input to the cerebellum.

Thus the Romberg's test will be positive in cases of:
1. Proprioceptive dysfunction e.g. Sensory peripheral neuropathy & Dorsal column dysfunction
2. Vestibular dysfunction e.g. Vestibular neuritis

This was my attempt to provide a brief summary about this topic and it has been compiled to the best of my understanding. Please feel free to discuss it further, in the comments section below.

Have a great day!

- Vikramjeet Kakade

Immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics for leukemias: Part 1

Hello!