Introduction to micro-organism series

Hello awesomites!

We have started with micro-organism series where we will discuss bacterias and viruses. But before that let's have a little introduction of Gram positive bacteria and negative bacteria!

Fanconis anemia mnemonic

Hello!

Here's a post on Fanconis anemia!

Fact of the day: Factors that are lost in stored blood

Hello awesomites !

What happens to blood that is stored in blood bank ?

Pierre Robin Sequence mnemonic

Hey Awesomites

Pierre Robin Sequence is one of the most common causes of isolated cleft palate in the newborns. Here's the mnemonic for the triad of symptoms- PRS

P- Cleft Palate only
R- Retrognathia (abnormal posterior position of jaw and maxilla)
S- Support to the lingual muscles is lost (Glossoptosis)

The sequence is known to be caused by genetic anomalies at chromosome 2, 11 or 17.


That's all

- Jaskunwar Singh

A Neurology Case Discussion

Hey guys, let's ponder upon the following case.
Before reading this case, just know that this is a case of cerebellar tumor. Now try to localize the tumor in the cerebellum by taking help of the symptoms of this kid. This will help you in the differential diagnosis given later.

A 4 year old complains of headache, drowsiness and occasional diplopia; he is unsteady on his feet with frequent falls. Examination demonstrates truncal ataxia, sometimes accompanied by incoordination of the limbs; variable ophthalmoparesis and papilledema on fundoscopic examination.

Any guesses on what this could be?

Ok so here goes the case discussion:

Medulloblastoma typically presents with a midline cerebellar syndrome, with hydrocephalus and resultant increased intracranial pressure.
Clinically, it can be distinguished from ependymoma involving the fourth ventricle by the early appearance of nausea and vomiting in the latter, due to involvement of area postrema. Cranial nerve palsies may appear with either tumor, and increasing intracranial pressure is typical of both.
The predominance of signs suggesting primary involvement of vermis distinguishes medulloblastoma from cystic or solid astrocytoma of the cerebellum which typically involves a cerebellar hemisphere rather than the vermis. Although rarely there are midline midline astrocytomas.

You are awesome if you were able to get this one right. :)

-VM

Fact of the day: Genesis of the U wave

Hey guys!!

As you know the U wave in the ecg is seldom seen especially in leads V2 and V3 physiologically especially during bradycardia.
And it is seen pathologically in Hypokalemia.

So how is it generated?
If you are thinking due to repolarization of papillary muscles, let me tell you that this hypothesis is now obsolete.

There are three trending theories at present trying to explain it:

1. Delayed repolarization of the subendocardial Purkinje fibres.

2. Prolonged repolarization of the midmyocardium ( M cells)

3. After-potentials resulting from mechanical forces in the ventricular wall.

That's it!

-VM

Fact of the day: Citrobacter causes brain abscesses in neonates

Citrobacter species are Gram-negative enteric bacilli found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and are also present in soil and water.

Why does cyanotic heart disease predispose to brain abscess?

Ever wondered why cyanotic heart disease predisposes to brain abscesses?

Step 2 CK: Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and mnemonics!

Hello!

This post is all about treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

Creutzfeldt jakob disease mnemonic

Here's one on Creutzfeldt jakob disease :D

Picks disease mnemonic

Hello!

After my infinite struggle, I think I have finally found a way to remember it :D

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

Hello awesomites let's know about PEG .

PEG stands for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy .We normally use PEG tube .
also known as Feeding tube,Esophagogastroduodenoscopy  tube.=P

In simple language PEG is method of placing a tube into the stomach percutaneously followed by endoscopy .
Tube is passed into a patient's stomach through abdominal wall .
It is preferred route of nutritional support in patients having dysphagia or in unconscious patients.
It offers superior exposure to GI systems.
Most of the PEG tube has mushroom shaped device at the end that holds it in the stomach and prevent it from falling .If it falls do not wait till next day the hole may heal and this may create complications.

Whereas PEG  is also contraindicated in:-
-Distal enteral obstruction.
-Hemodynamic instability.
-Severe ascites.
-Sepsis
-Severe Gastroparesisi.
-Thrombocytopenia.

Scoliosis

Hello awesomites !It's been long time that I haven't written anything due to exam pressure =). Let's start with today's simple topic.

What is scoliosis?

-It's a disorder in which spine has sideways curve like "C" or "S" .It may increases or remain same.Patient usually suffers from breathing problems ,constipation due to tightened organs.
-Factors causing scoliosis are mainly genetic though environmental factors may cause scoliosis.
-Diagnosis is mainly by Plain X-ray.

Treatment?

-Current methods requires surgery to adjust growth rods every 6 months .This may require 8 to 10 procedures in total.

What is MAGEC rods ?

-MAGnetic Expansion Control rods are used as non-invasive adjustments.
Surgeons can lengthen the rods using a Handle-held external magnet.It takes 15 minutes and is performed every 3-6 months .It is also cost effective.Once a surgeon implants the device it's easy to use by remote.
MAGEC is used in children's (normally under 10 age) with severe spine deformity .

Stay awesome:)

~Ojas