Synonyms: Spinal tap Definition: Puncture of subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic or therapeutic purpose or inject drugs for anesthetic purpose. Indications: A. Diagnostic: CNS infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic or TB meningitis Subarachnoid hemorrhage Carcinomatosis meningitis (CNS involvement…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Pulsus Paradoxus – Clinical Examination
Synonyms: Paradoxical pulse, Paradoxic pulse, Reversed Bernheim sign Definition of Pulsus Paradoxus There is normal physiological fall in Blood pressure upto 10 mmHg during inspiration. Pulsus paradoxus is the exaggeration of this normal decline in blood pressure more than 10 mmHg during inspiration. The “paradox” refers to the fact that…
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10 FAQs about Ebola
1. What causes Ebola virus disease? Ebola virus is a RNA virus belonging to family Filoviridae. The 5 species of Ebola virus are: Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), Reston ebolavirus (RESTV), Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV). Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) is the most dangerous amongst these. Reston ebolavirus has caused disease in non-human…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Courvoisier’s law of Obstructive Jaundice
Synonyms: Courvoisier’s sign, Courvoisier syndrome, Courvoisier-Terrier sign, Bard-Pic disease Over years, the use of the term Courvoisier’s sign or gallbladder has been suggested instead of law, because of rising number of exceptions. Eponymous to: Ludwig Courvoisier (1843-1918) Definition of Courvoisier’s law Courvoisier’s (koor-vwah-zee-ayz) law states that ‘a palpable non-tender gallbladder…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Approach to a Child with Edema
Before beginning the clinical approach to a child with edema, it is necessary to understand the basics of fluid compartments, starling forces and technique of eliciting edema. Life threatening causes of Edema: Generalized: Cardiac disease Congestive Heart Failure Pericardial effusion Renal disease Nephrosis Nephritis Hepatic failure Localized: Allergic reaction with…
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Headbanging Injuries
It all began in a tour of Led Zeppelin – the craftsmen of one of the most popular rock songs of the past 40 years – “Stairway to Heaven”. The audience on the front row were nodding their heads against the rhythm of their music and that was when the…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Summary of Clinical Tests and Signs in Orthopedics
Adson’s test: for thoracic outlet syndrome Allen’s test: for testing patency of radial and ulnar arteries Alli’s test: for DDH Anvil test: for testing tenderness of the spine Ape thumb: for median nerve injury Apley’s grinding test: for meniscus injury Apprehension test: for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder Barlow’s test:…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Glaucoma basics : Classification of Glacuoma
Definition: Glaucoma is a group of disorders characterized by a progressive optic neuropathy resulting in a characterstic appearance of the optic disc and a specific pattern of irreversible visual field defects that are associated frequently but not invariably with raised intraocular pressure (IOP). It is one of the commonest cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Open-angle…