Physician Assistant Exam Review

Bipolar and Related Disorders Chronic mood disorder with episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.Onset typically late teens–20s. Equal in men/women. Strong genetic predisposition. Clinical Presentation Bipolar I Disorder Bipolar II Disorder Cyclothymic Disorder Hallmark exam clues Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment First-line (mood stabilizers): Adjunctive / Antipsychotics: Antidepressants: Non-pharmacologic: Ke...

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Panic Disorder Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Phobias Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts

The post 134: An...

Cauda Equina Syndrome • Neurosurgical emergency due to compression of cauda equina nerve roots, usually from disc herniation, tumor, or trauma Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators Epidural Abscess • • Spinal epidural infection commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators […]

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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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