Monday, February 13, 2017
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Fact of the day: 'Experience- taking' from books
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
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Fact of the day: Handedness arises from genes in the spinal cord
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
Friday, February 10, 2017
Brucellosis and it's reservoirs mnemonic
Here's a mnemonic on Brucellosis and it's reservoirs! :)
Catalase positive organisms mnemonic
Here's a mnemonic on Catalase positive organisms :)
Video by Huzaifa Bhopalwala
Enzymes requiring thiamine mnemonic
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
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
Lemme tell you the difference between Caput Succedaneum and Cephalhematoma today! :)
Immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics for leukemias: Part 2
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
Fact of the day: Most efficient sleep position to clear the brain of waste
Lateral position and right posture while sleeping is considered advantageous for those suffering from neurologic and psychiatric disorders due to this reason.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Spermatic Cord contents : Mnemonic
Hello. This is about the things that your thing contains if you're a guy :p
So the spermatic cord is an important content of the inguinal canal in men.
And it contains a host of things.
Remember :
Plenty of Dick Contributes To Good Sex Life
Plenty of = Pampiniform plexus
Dick = Ductus Deferens
Contributes = Cremasteric artery
To = Testicular Artery
Good = Genitofemoral Nerve (Genital br)
Sex = Sympathetic plexus
Life = Lymphatics.
So it's 3 Arteries + 2 nerves + 3 other things.
Hope you like this !
Stay awesome.
Fascia of the thigh : Mnemonic
Hi everyone. This is a short post where I tell you about the thigh fascia.
So fascia of the thigh is super important during surgery , and we are expected to know its layers.
So it's got 2 layers : Camper's and Scarpa's.
Now which is outer and which is inner ?
Remember :
OC IS good.
So OC = Outer Camper
IS = Inner Scarpa
Hope you liked this!
Stay awesome.