Synonym: Autonomous area Definition: These are the regions where single nerve roots supply distinct and non-overlapping areas of skin. By their nature the “autonomous zones” represent only a small portion of any dermatome and only a few nerve roots have such autonomous zones. The size of autonomous zone for a…
Tag: Clinical examination
Ophthalmology Spot Diagnosis: Nodular Episcleritis
This is a case of nodular episcleritis. Definition of Episcleritis: Episcleritis is defined as the benign recurrent inflammation of episclera and tenon’s capsule. Types of Episcleritis: Diffuse episcleritis Nodular episcleritis Epidemiology: Common in females compared to males Common in young adults Etiology: Non-specific immune response to irritants Idiopathic (mostly) Rheumatoid arthritis…
Ophthalmology Spot Diagnosis: Hyphema
Definition: Accumulation of blood in the Anterior Chamber (AC). Causes: a. Post-traumatic: Trauma or surgery b. Spontaneous: Neovascularization Ocular neoplasms Vascular and clotting anomalies (leukemia, hemophilia, aspirin) Grading for Traumatic Hyphema: 0 : No layered blood, circulating RBCs only (Microhyphema) 1: Layered blood filling < 1/3 of AC 2: Layered…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Digital Clubbing
Synonyms: Hippocratic fingers, Acropachy, Dysacromelia, Drumstick fingers, Watch glass nails, Parrot beak fingers, Serpent head nails, Lovibond’s sign Definition Focal and bulbous enlargement of the distal phalanges due to proliferation of connective tissue between the fingernail and the bone with increase in both the longitudinal and transverse curvatures of the…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Edema – Physical Examination
Synonyms: Oedema, Swelling Definition of Edema Accumulation of excessive amount of fluid in the extravascular interstitial space of the body. Interstitial space is the extravascular compartment of the extracellular fluid and surrounds the cells of a given tissue. Anasarca is a severe and generalized edema with profound subcutaneous tissue swelling. Further…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Cyanosis
Synonyms: Morbus coeruleus, Blue disease Definition of Cyanosis Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the skin, mucous membrane and nail bed usually owing to atleast 5 gm/dl of reduced hemoglobin/deoxyhemoglobin or abnormal hemoglobin derivatives (eg. methemoglobin, sulfhemoglobin, etc.) circulating within the superficial dermal capillaries and subpapillary venous plexus (not, as commonly taught, the…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Icterus
Synonyms: Jaundice Definition of Icterus Icterus is the yellowish discoloration of skin and mucous membrane and body fluids (CSF, joint fluid, cysts) evident as a result of hyperbilirubinemia with subsequent deposition of bile pigments in tissue which is rich in elastin. The Greeks claimed the sight of an oriole would…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Pallor
Synonyms: Paleness Definition of Pallor Pallor is the paleness of skin and mucous membranes, due to the reduced amount of oxyhemoglobin or decreased peripheral perfusion. Sites to look for pallor Lower palpebral conjunctiva Tip and dorsum of the tongue Soft palate Nail beds Palmar or plantar creases General body skin…