Hey Awesomites
Loss of the sense of smell is one of the first warning signs of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other diseases associated with dementia.
One of the common link evidenced in some studies is the damage to neurotransmitter and neuromodulator receptors ( particularly acetylcholine ) in the frontal part of brain.
Also, one of the pathogenic hallmarks of AD, the Neurofibrillary Tangles ( NFTs ) have been found in olfactory bulb, olfactory tract, the transentorhinal and entorhinal cortex, anterior olfactory nuclei and amygdale. The number of NFTs within these areas have been positively correlated with the disease progression.
Thus, olfactory testing at the 'right time' is essential to detect the presence of disease process in its 'preclinical phase' itself. It could help in the differential diagnosis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Early diagnostic interventions such as smell testing, brain imaging procedures like functional MRI and PET scan, olfactory epithelium biopsy, using radioactive neurochemicals help in evaluation.
The anosmic symptoms are much more common in old patients of more than 65 years of age.
Thats all
- Jaskunwar Singh
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Research update : Genetic locus of Anorexia nervosa revealed
Hey Awesomites
A Research landmark study led by UN school of medicine has found the first genetic locus for the perplexing illness, anorexia nervosa. Previously it was known that this eating disorder runs in families with genetic and environmental factors both playing their role and there is ten - fold risk in first -degree relatives, but no particular association with a genetic locus was provided.
Thought to be associated with psychiatric disorders like neuroticism and schizophrenia, it has also been positively correlated with underlying metabolic abnormalities including body - mass index (BMI) and insulin - glucose metabolism. Genome - wide association studies ( GWAS ) have revealed a significant locus for anorexia nervosa on chromosome 12, in a region previously shown to be associated with type -1 diabetes mellitus and autoimmune disorders. This means that this eating disorder shares common roots with metabolic and psychiatric traits !!
These results may help in reconceptualizing the underlying aetiology and pathogenesis of such a lethal disorder and also coming up with new treatment interventions to cure the disease.
Thats all
- Jaskunwar Singh
A Research landmark study led by UN school of medicine has found the first genetic locus for the perplexing illness, anorexia nervosa. Previously it was known that this eating disorder runs in families with genetic and environmental factors both playing their role and there is ten - fold risk in first -degree relatives, but no particular association with a genetic locus was provided.
Thought to be associated with psychiatric disorders like neuroticism and schizophrenia, it has also been positively correlated with underlying metabolic abnormalities including body - mass index (BMI) and insulin - glucose metabolism. Genome - wide association studies ( GWAS ) have revealed a significant locus for anorexia nervosa on chromosome 12, in a region previously shown to be associated with type -1 diabetes mellitus and autoimmune disorders. This means that this eating disorder shares common roots with metabolic and psychiatric traits !!
These results may help in reconceptualizing the underlying aetiology and pathogenesis of such a lethal disorder and also coming up with new treatment interventions to cure the disease.
Thats all
- Jaskunwar Singh
Treatment of erythema migrans in early Lymes disease
Hi.
Like the title suggests, this post is on treatment of erythema migrans in early Lymes disease.
For non pregnant adults and children ≥8 years of age with early Lyme disease: Doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil.
Why is doxycycline preferred for most patients with early localized Lyme disease?
Because it is effective against both Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis.
Children <8 years of age or pregnant women with early localized Lyme disease: Amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil.
Doxycycline is not recommended for children under the age of eight years or for pregnant or lactating women.
Why?
Because of severe adverse effects, including teratogenicity, permanent yellowish-brown teeth discoloration after in utero exposure and in children under 8 years of age and more rarely fatal hepatotoxicity reported in pregnant women.
That's all!
-IkaN
Dwarfism vs Cretinism
Hello Everyone,
How do we differentiate between dwarfism and cretinism?
Just remember GIRL
G- Growth- Reduced in both
I- IQ- Normal in pituitary dwarfism and decreased in cretenism
R-Reproduction-Absent or delayed puberty in both
L-Limbs- Proportionate in Dwarfs and Disproportionate in cretins.
(C follows D)(cretins have disproportionate limbs)
What are features seen in a cretin?
Remember 5P's
That's all,
Thank you,
Chaitanya Inge
How do we differentiate between dwarfism and cretinism?
Just remember GIRL
G- Growth- Reduced in both
I- IQ- Normal in pituitary dwarfism and decreased in cretenism
R-Reproduction-Absent or delayed puberty in both
L-Limbs- Proportionate in Dwarfs and Disproportionate in cretins.
(C follows D)(cretins have disproportionate limbs)
What are features seen in a cretin?
Remember 5P's
- Pot-bellied
- Pale
- Puffy-faced child
- Protruding umbilicus
- Protuberant tongue
That's all,
Thank you,
Chaitanya Inge
Authors' diary: Cerebellar tumor location and associated symptoms
Hello!
In 2013, I wrote this anatomy mnemonic on parts of the cerebellum and their functions.
I was tested this fact in a question today and I got it right. Yaay! :D
The question asked about a tumor, expected to know the most common location of the tumor and then expected you to know the symptoms caused due to it's location. Ooooh!
Anyway, lemme summarize what you should know:
Medulloblastomas usually occur in the vermis and spare the cerebellar hemispheres - They are more likely to cause truncal ataxia.
Pilocytic astrocytomas occur in the cerebellar hemispheres - They are more likely to cause intention tremors.
Added by VM:
An ependymoma can also cause truncal ataxia just like medulloblastoma. Ependymoma can be differentiated by it's location, again. Being more common on the floor of fourth ventricle, it will irritate area postrema and cause vomiting. It can also cause CN 7, CN 10 and CN 12 palsies.
In 2013, I wrote this anatomy mnemonic on parts of the cerebellum and their functions.
I was tested this fact in a question today and I got it right. Yaay! :D
The question asked about a tumor, expected to know the most common location of the tumor and then expected you to know the symptoms caused due to it's location. Ooooh!
Anyway, lemme summarize what you should know:
Medulloblastomas usually occur in the vermis and spare the cerebellar hemispheres - They are more likely to cause truncal ataxia.
Pilocytic astrocytomas occur in the cerebellar hemispheres - They are more likely to cause intention tremors.
Added by VM:
An ependymoma can also cause truncal ataxia just like medulloblastoma. Ependymoma can be differentiated by it's location, again. Being more common on the floor of fourth ventricle, it will irritate area postrema and cause vomiting. It can also cause CN 7, CN 10 and CN 12 palsies.
It's funny how in your preclinical years, all you ask is, "WHY DO I HAVE TO LEARN THIS?"
And in your clinical years, you are always like - I wish I took my first and second year seriously! :P
-IkaN
And in your clinical years, you are always like - I wish I took my first and second year seriously! :P
-IkaN
Treatment of restless leg syndrome mnemonic + notes
Hello!
This is a loooooong post on the treatment of restless leg syndrome. (Bear with me!)
Those who are just here for the mnemonic
This is a loooooong post on the treatment of restless leg syndrome. (Bear with me!)
Those who are just here for the mnemonic
Mechanism of action of gabapentin and pregabalin
Gabapentin binds to which of the following receptors?
1. GABAA receptors
2. GABAB receptors
3. alpa2delta subunit of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels
4. NMDA receptors
1. GABAA receptors
2. GABAB receptors
3. alpa2delta subunit of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels
4. NMDA receptors
Akathisia vs Restless legs syndrome
Hey guys, Ikan posted a clinical vignette based on this differentiation. So I did a little digging.
Both Akathisia and RLS can be caused due to antipsychotics, Akathisia goes more with typical ones and RLS with atypical ones.
Besides RLS has some other characteristic features:
1. Associated with dysesthesia originating in legs whereas in case of akathisia patient feels like it's originating in the central core of the body.
2. RLS has evening-predominance, it disturbs sleep of the patient as the patient jerks his legs during sleep which might be noted by his gf or wife.
3. There is positive family history in RLS.
4. RLS can be induced by other centrally acting drugs like Diphenhydramine, Citalopram, Clonazepam etc if there is a positive family history.
Treatment:
First intervention should always be reduction of dose of antipsychotics.
While RLS responds well to dopamine agonists like Pramipexol and Ropinirole, Akathisia responds well to Mirtazapine, a tetracyclic antidepressant. Although withdrawing the causative drug works the best.
According to latest clinical trial reports, The first line treatment of akathisia is propranolol, second line is Benztropine and if these doesn't work we resort to benzodiazepines.
That's all! You never stop learning.
-VM
Friday, May 12, 2017
Abdominal Aorta Mnemonic
Hello Everyone,
Lets discuss abdominal aorta.
Its a game of odd numbers. Following branches are present:
Lets discuss abdominal aorta.
Its a game of odd numbers. Following branches are present:
- 3 Anterior
- 3 Lateral visceral
- 3 Terminal
- 5 Lateral Abdominal
3 Anterior branches single include:
- Coeliac Trunk (T12)
- Superior Mesenteric Artery (L1)
- Inferior Mesenteric Artery (L3)
3 paired lateral Visceral:
- Middle Suprarenal(L1)
- Renal (between L1 and L2)
- Gonadal (L2)
5 paired lateral abdominal
- 4 Lumbar arteries (respectively at L1 L2 L3 L4)
- Inferior phrenic (T12)
3 Terminal
- 2 Common Illiac (L4)
- Median Sacral (L4)
How to remember it? @_@
Counter Strike Is MR GLIC's Mastery. ^_^
Counter Strike Is MR GLIC's Mastery. ^_^
Fun Facts:
- There are 3 suprarenal arteries ( again a odd number). The superior branch is derived from the inferior phrenic artery, the middle branch originates directly from the aorta, and the inferior branch comes off the renal artery.
- The fifth lumbar arteries on either side arise from the median sacral artery.
That's all,
Thank you
Chaitanya Inge
Fact of the day : Testosterone administration impairs 'cognitive reflection' in men
Hey Awesomites
You must have tried solving brain teasers at some point of time.. right? Ok so how many of you tried to solve it right at that instant ( sensing your gut reaction ), but guessed it wrong? If so, you might be having loads of testosterone in your veins!
You must have tried solving brain teasers at some point of time.. right? Ok so how many of you tried to solve it right at that instant ( sensing your gut reaction ), but guessed it wrong? If so, you might be having loads of testosterone in your veins!
X-Linked Dominant Disorders.
Hello everybody!
Let's learn a quick way to remember a few important X-linked Dominant Disorders.
The mnemonic goes like:
All Hypo Pigmented Rats Have Resistant Rickets.
All - Alport Syndrome.
Hypo - Familial Hypophosphatemia.
Pigmented - Incontinentia Pigmenti.
Rats - Rett Syndrome.
Resistant Rickets - Vit.D Resistant Rickets.
X linked dominant disorders are rare pattern of inheritance.
All affected males will transmit it to all their daughters and all affected females will transmit the disease to 50% of her sons/daughters.
If you have another mnemonic on the same do share.
Let's learn Together!
-Medha.
Marfan syndrome - High Yield Information.
Hello everybody,
lets today briefly revise all the high yield points on Marfan syndrome.
Marfan syndrome is an example of structural protein disorder and with autosomal dominant inheritance, lets see what exactly goes wrong in this condition.
Etiopathogenesis:
There is a missense mutation seen in the fibrillin-1 gene located on the chromosome no.15.
So to understand the condition better, lets understand a bit about fibrillin.
Fibrillin forms the glycoprotein component of cellular microfibrils and also provides a scaffold for the elastin deposition.
Abundant fibrillin is found in the connective tissues of the aorta,ligaments and the eye, these are the structures predominantly affected in the disorder too.
The defective fibrillin leads to defective microfibril assembly intracellularly and reduced elasticity in connective tissues.
Defective fibrillin also leads to decreased TGF-beta(Transforming growth factor ) sequestration, and excess of TGF-B hampers normal vascular smooth muscle development and matrix production.
Morphological Features:
1) Skeletal changes:
Tall stature with long extremities.
Long tapering fingers and toes.(Arachnodactyly)
Hyperextensibility.
Dolicocephaly.
Kyphosis ans scoliosis.
Pectus excavatum or Pigeon breast deformity.
2) Cardiovascular changes:
Aortic regurgitation: Due to aortic cystic medial degeneration leading to valvular ring dilatation & valvular incompetence. Most threatening valvular lesion.
Mitral valve prolapse : Most common valvular lesion.
Aortic Dissections are the most common cause of death in these patients.
3) Occular changes:
Ectopia Lentis: bilateral superotemporal dislocation of lenses.
Retinal Detachment : due to increased axial length of the globe.
Diagnosis:
Currently Revised Ghent Criteria is used for the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.
It considers:
Family history,
Cardinal Clinical Signs in absence of family history,
Presence or absence of Fibrillin Mutation.
so that's all on marfans syndrome.
Fun Fact:
We all have been hearing about some famous personalities with Marfan syndrome like Abraham Lincon and Michael Phelps, but Tutankhamen the 11th pharoh of 18th Egyptian Dynasty was diagnosed to be suffering from Marfan's Syndrome by a series of CT scans and DNA tests carried out on his MUMMY!
Do post any other interesting facts you know about Marfan's Syndrome.
Let's Learn Together!
-Medha!
lets today briefly revise all the high yield points on Marfan syndrome.
Marfan syndrome is an example of structural protein disorder and with autosomal dominant inheritance, lets see what exactly goes wrong in this condition.
Etiopathogenesis:
There is a missense mutation seen in the fibrillin-1 gene located on the chromosome no.15.
So to understand the condition better, lets understand a bit about fibrillin.
Fibrillin forms the glycoprotein component of cellular microfibrils and also provides a scaffold for the elastin deposition.
Abundant fibrillin is found in the connective tissues of the aorta,ligaments and the eye, these are the structures predominantly affected in the disorder too.
The defective fibrillin leads to defective microfibril assembly intracellularly and reduced elasticity in connective tissues.
Defective fibrillin also leads to decreased TGF-beta(Transforming growth factor ) sequestration, and excess of TGF-B hampers normal vascular smooth muscle development and matrix production.
Morphological Features:
1) Skeletal changes:
Tall stature with long extremities.
Long tapering fingers and toes.(Arachnodactyly)
Hyperextensibility.
Dolicocephaly.
Kyphosis ans scoliosis.
Pectus excavatum or Pigeon breast deformity.
2) Cardiovascular changes:
Aortic regurgitation: Due to aortic cystic medial degeneration leading to valvular ring dilatation & valvular incompetence. Most threatening valvular lesion.
Mitral valve prolapse : Most common valvular lesion.
Aortic Dissections are the most common cause of death in these patients.
3) Occular changes:
Ectopia Lentis: bilateral superotemporal dislocation of lenses.
Retinal Detachment : due to increased axial length of the globe.
Diagnosis:
Currently Revised Ghent Criteria is used for the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.
It considers:
Family history,
Cardinal Clinical Signs in absence of family history,
Presence or absence of Fibrillin Mutation.
so that's all on marfans syndrome.
Fun Fact:
We all have been hearing about some famous personalities with Marfan syndrome like Abraham Lincon and Michael Phelps, but Tutankhamen the 11th pharoh of 18th Egyptian Dynasty was diagnosed to be suffering from Marfan's Syndrome by a series of CT scans and DNA tests carried out on his MUMMY!
Do post any other interesting facts you know about Marfan's Syndrome.
Let's Learn Together!
-Medha!
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Fact of the day: Psychiatric effects of steroids
Did you know corticosteroid therapy can cause depression, mania, psychosis, and delirium?
Why?
The mechanism by which the corticosteroid induces symptoms such as mania, depression, and psychosis is not clear.
The administration of prednisone is associated with decreased levels of corticotrophin, norepinephrine, and beta-endorphin in the cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, corticosteroids induce an increased release of glutamate that induces neuronal toxicity due to accumulation effect.
-IkaN
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