Physician Assistant Exam Review

Last time, we covered the detailed medical content on infectious neurologic disorders. (If you missed it, you can find it here: physicianassistantexamreview.com/130) This week is about action. We’re taking everything you learned and making it stick by applying it to questions, clues, and decision-making strategies you’ll need on test day. We’ll work through: Instead of memorizing facts, you’ll learn how to [R...

Encephalitis Inflammation of the brain parenchyma, often viral in origin, presenting with altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurologic deficits. Can be life-threatening. Viral Encephalitis (Most Common) HSV-1 Encephalitis  Clinical Presentation: Labs & Imaging: Treatment:  Arboviral Encephalitis Clinical Presentation: Diagnosis: Treatment: Meningitis Acute Bacterial Meningitis Clinical Presentation: CSF Findi...

Conditions Covered • Wernicke’s Encephalopathy • Hepatic Encephalopathy • Toxic & Metabolic Encephalopathy • Uremic Encephalopathy • Hypertensive Encephalopathy ⸻ Encephalopathy = Global brain dysfunction Encephalitis = Brain inflammation ⸻ Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Acute, reversible encephalopathy caused by thiamine (B1) deficiency. Key Differentiator: Confusion + Ataxia + Ophthalmoplegia in a malnourished or alcoholic patient...

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Hepatic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Toxic & Metabolic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Uremic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Ima...

Cranial Nerve Review: Full Breakdown Cranial Nerves in Order 1. Olfactory (CN I) – Smell 2. Optic (CN II) – Vision 3. Oculomotor (CN III) – Eye movement (SR, IR, MR, IO), pupil constriction, eyelid elevation 4. Trochlear (CN IV) – Eye movement (SO – superior oblique) 5. Trigeminal (CN V) – Facial sensation, mastication […]

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CN VI (Abducens Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes Treatment Key Takeaways CN VII (Facial Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes Treatment Key Takeaways CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes...

Cranial Nerves Overview 1. Olfactory – CN I – Smell 2. Optic – CN II – Vision 3. Oculomotor – CN III – Eye movement, pupil constriction, eyelid control 4. Trochlear – CN IV – Eye movement down and inward 5. Trigeminal – CN V – Facial sensation and chewing 6. Abducens – CN VI – Eye movement side to side […]

The post 127: Crani...

Syncope Hydrocephalus Coma Final Step type Questions What key symptom differentiates syncope from seizure? What triad is seen in normal pressure hydrocephalus? At what Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is intubation typically required? What is the first-line treatment for increased intracranial pressure in hydrocephalus? What pupil finding suggests opioid toxicity? What test is used to […]

The post 126b: Syncope, Hydrocephalus, ...

Syncope, Hydrocephalus, and Coma Syncope Transient loss of consciousness due to global cerebral hypoperfusion, often with rapid onset, brief duration, and spontaneous recovery A key differential in cerebrovascular cases, distinct from stroke, TIA, and seizures Clinical Presentation Preceding Symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, pallor, diaphoresis Triggers: Prolonged standing, vasovagal (emotional stress) Orthostatic hypot...

Companion Episode: Cerebral Aneurysms, AVMs, and Intracranial Hemorrhage Companion Episode: Cerebral Aneurysms, AVMs, and Intracranial Hemorrhage Differentiation Cerebral Aneurysms vs. Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) Cause of Hemorrhage: Cerebral Aneurysm: Weakening and bulging of an arterial wall. AVM: Abnormal connection between arteries and veins without capillaries. Location: Cerebral Aneurysms: Frequently at arterial bifurc...

Physician Assistant Exam Review Upcoming Events Join us for the Pass the PANCE Master Class on January 14th and 16th. This interactive session is packed with proven strategies to help you… well pass the PANCE. Mark your calendars! Registration for the 33 Days to Pass the PANCE February Cohort opens on January 14th, 2025. Stay […]

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This is a short episode walking through and reviewing the content we covered last week. Here’s the formatted blog post for easy readability: Stroke vs. TIA: Key Differentiators Symptom Duration Headache Severity and Acuity Imaging Findings Treatments TIA Ischemic Stroke Hemorrhagic Stroke The Final Step Style Questions PANCE Stye Questions Question 1 A 68-year-old woman […]

The post 124 Companion Episode: Working Through TIAs...

Hemorrhagic Stroke Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Ischemic Stroke Risk Factors Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Comparison of Hemorrhagic vs. Ischemic Stroke Feature Hemorrhagic Stroke Ischemic Stroke Cause Vessel rupture, bleeding Vessel occlusion, ischemia Frequency 15% 85% Symptoms Headache, nausea, vomiting, AMS Focal neurologic deficits Imaging...

Grab your Neuro Rapid Review Questions Grab your Neuro Rapid Review Questions More Neuro for the PANCE 122 Peripheral Nerve Disorders & how to keep getting better at what you do 121 Movement Disorders – Best episode ever 120 Movement Disorders 119 Headaches – Get These Right! 118: Brain Trauma & Memorizing Medication tip Or […]

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At Physician Assistant Exam Review, we are dedicated to moving students from struggle and stress to success and confidence using progressive, nontraditional strategies. Through advanced learning techniques, optimized test-taking practices, and peak performance strategies for high-stakes exams like the PANCE, we ensure students achieve the grades they deserve AND enjoy their lives. Grab your comprehensive […]

The post 122 Peri...

Click here to get the active study guide for movement disorders – It’s amazing! Essential Tremor Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Huntington’s Disease Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Tourette Disorder Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Phys...