High-Yield Exam Mnemonics
- Subtle signs in small babies.
Recall: Subtle seizures are the most common neonatal seizures, presenting as eye deviation, lip smacking, or apnea.
- Bacteria eat sugar – glucose goes down.
Recall: Bacterial meningitis shows high protein (>100 mg/dL), low glucose (<40 mg/dL or <50% of blood glucose), and neutrophil predominance.
- Anterior = After one year (12–18 months).
Recall: The anterior fontanelle closes between 12–18 months.
- Pyloric = Projectile, Post-prandial, non-bilious.
Recall: Pyloric stenosis presents at 3–6 weeks with projectile, non-bilious vomiting after feeds due to gastric outlet obstruction.
- Kernicterus = Bilirubin in the Brain’s ganglia.
Recall: Kernicterus is unconjugated bilirubin toxicity affecting the brain, particularly basal ganglia, hippocampus, and brainstem nuclei.
- A = eyesight (night vision).
Recall: Fat-soluble vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness (nyctalopia) due to impaired rhodopsin synthesis in rod cells.
- Thriving toddler with diarrhea = Toddler’s diarrhea.
Recall: Toddler’s diarrhea (functional diarrhea) occurs in children 1–5 years with frequent loose stools containing undigested vegetables, but growth and appetite are normal.
- SAM = Severely low at −3.
Recall: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is defined as weight-for-height <−3 SD (or MUAC <115 mm in children 6–59 months, or bilateral pitting edema).
- Down’s heart = AV canal defect.
Recall: AVSD (endocardial cushion defect) is the most common CHD in Down syndrome (~45% of cardiac defects).
- OI = One (type I) collagen problem.
Recall: OI results from mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes encoding type I collagen, the major collagen in bone, skin, and sclera.
- McArdle = Muscle cramping, Myoglobinuria.
Recall: McArdle disease (myophosphorylase deficiency) affects skeletal muscle only.
- Classic = GALT deficiency.
Recall: Classic galactosemia results from GALT deficiency, causing galactose-1-phosphate accumulation.
- Kawasaki = Coronary complications.
Recall: Coronary artery aneurysms occur in 15–25% of untreated cases, leading to MI, sudden death, or chronic coronary disease.
- Chiari-2 loves Myelo-2-gether.
Recall: Arnold-Chiari Type II malformation (herniation of cerebellar tonsils and brainstem through foramen magnum) is classically associated with myelomeningocele.
- Epidural = Egg-shaped (biconvex).
Recall: Extradural hematoma appears biconvex/lentiform because the dura is tightly adherent to skull sutures, limiting spread.
- Syringo = Cervical Syringe.
Recall: Syringomyelia (fluid-filled cavity in spinal cord) most commonly occurs in the cervicothoracic region, particularly affecting C8-T1 segments.
- Bird-Beak = Both (solids and liquids blocked) = Achalasia.
Recall: In achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax, creating smooth tapering at the gastroesophageal junction resembling a bird’s beak.
- Rovsing = Right pain when pressing Left.
Recall: Rovsing’s sign is positive when pressure on the left iliac fossa causes referred pain in the right iliac fossa, suggesting peritoneal irritation from appendicitis.
- Sigmoid = ‘S’ shaped like coffee bean.
Recall: Sigmoid volvulus creates a massively dilated sigmoid colon that resembles a coffee bean or inverted U on abdominal X-ray, with the apex pointing toward the right upper quadrant.
- Femoral = Frequently strangulates.
Recall: Femoral hernia has the highest risk of strangulation (40-50%) because the femoral ring has rigid boundaries (lacunar ligament, inguinal ligament, pectineal ligament, femoral vein).
- Crohn’s = Can skip, UC = Uninterrupted/Continuous.
Recall: Crohn’s disease shows discontinuous involvement with normal bowel segments between diseased areas (“skip lesions”).
- Adeno = Almost all colorectal cancers.
Recall: Adenocarcinoma accounts for more than 95% of colorectal cancers, arising from glandular epithelium of the mucosa.
- Dry = Nerves Dry up (neuropathy), Wet = Water (edema, heart failure).
Recall: Dry beriberi (thiamine deficiency) primarily affects the peripheral nervous system, causing peripheral neuropathy.
- Bitot’s = Bits of white foam (vitamin A).
Recall: Bitot’s spots are triangular, foamy, white patches on the conjunctiva due to keratinization from vitamin A deficiency.
- Refeeding = Phosphate drops Rapidly.
Recall: Refeeding syndrome occurs when malnourished patients receive nutrition, causing insulin surge that drives phosphate, potassium, and magnesium into cells.
- TB loves Thoracolumbar junction.
Recall: The lower thoracic and thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2) is the most common site for spinal tuberculosis due to rich blood supply and biomechanical stress.
- One Month = One Trauma diagnosis.
Recall: PTSD requires symptoms lasting more than 1 month.
- Trauma-focused for Trauma disorder.
Recall: Trauma-focused CBT, including prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy, is first-line.
- Dystonic = Distressing and unwanted.
Recall: Ego-dystonic means the patient recognizes obsessions as irrational and contrary to their values, causing distress.
- DSM-5 focuses on the Mind’s response to Body symptoms.
Recall: DSM-5 shifted focus from medically unexplained symptoms to excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors about somatic symptoms.
- ASD = Appears in early childhood Social Development.
Recall: ASD symptoms must be present in early developmental period, typically recognized by age 2-3, though may not fully manifest until social demands exceed capacity.
- Echolalia = Echo of another’s words.
Recall: Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases heard from others, either immediately or delayed.
- DTs at Day 2-4.
Recall: Delirium tremens peaks 48-96 hours after last drink.
- Dystonia = Distorted postures from Sustained contractions.
Recall: Dystonia involves sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive, twisting movements and postures.
- IM/IV for Immediate relief.
Recall: IM or IV anticholinergics (benztropine, diphenhydramine) provide rapid relief within minutes for acute dystonia.
- Starved heart = Slow heart.
Recall: Severe anorexia causes bradycardia due to metabolic adaptation to starvation.
- hCG = hurling Continuously in Gravidity.
Recall: High or rapidly rising hCG levels correlate with hyperemesis, which is why it is more common in molar pregnancy and multiple gestations. hCG stimulates the vomiting center.
- Counseling = Choice-supporting, not Choice-making.
Recall: Genetic counseling is non-directive, providing information about risks, testing options, and support so patients can make informed autonomous decisions.
- Amnio and CVS = Actually confirms diagnosis.
Recall: Amniocentesis and CVS with karyotyping are diagnostic tests providing definitive chromosomal analysis.
- Ultrasound = See the baby.
Recall: Ultrasonography visualizes fetal anatomy, allowing detection of structural abnormalities, growth assessment, and gestational age determination.
- JME = Jerks in Morning, Escape carbamazepine.
Recall: This is juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), characterized by morning myoclonic jerks, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and normal intelligence.
- Blood blocks absorption → All ventricles big.
Recall: Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (communicating type) occurs after intraventricular hemorrhage, especially in preterm infants.
- 3 weeks, 3 mm thickness = Pyloric stenosis.
Recall: This is classic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis – non-bilious projectile vomiting in a 3-6 week old male, hungry after vomiting, with palpable “olive” mass.
- tTG = Test for Gluten Trouble.
Recall: Chronic diarrhea with steatorrhea (bulky, floating stools), failure to thrive, and iron deficiency anemia in a toddler strongly suggests celiac disease.
- Phenytoin toxicity = NAL – Nystagmus, Ataxia, Lethargy (in order).
Recall: Phenytoin toxicity follows a predictable sequence: nystagmus appears first (at ~20 μg/mL), followed by ataxia, then lethargy/confusion at higher levels.
- Dex before ABx = Deaf prevention.
Recall: Dexamethasone should be given at or just before the first antibiotic dose to reduce inflammation triggered by bacterial lysis and cytokine release.
- Shunted child + ICP signs = shunt obstruction until proven otherwise.
Recall: The symptoms (headache, vomiting, lethargy, full fontanelle, upgaze palsy) indicate increased intracranial pressure from shunt malfunction.
- CMT = Cavus feet, Motor-sensory loss, Terribly slow nerve conduction.
Recall: CMT1 (hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy) is characterized by distal muscle weakness/wasting, pes cavus, hammer toes, absent reflexes, and demyelinating pattern on NCS (very slow conduction velocities).
- Bilious vomiting + DJ junction on wrong side = volvulus – don’t wait!
Recall: Malrotation with volvulus is a surgical emergency.
- ABE signs (Arched Back, cry) + extreme bilirubin = Exchange transfusion NOW.
Recall: The infant shows signs of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) – lethargy, high-pitched cry, and opisthotonus (arched back).
- CF = Chloride + Fat malabsorption; check pancreas with elastase.
Recall: Sweat chloride >60 mEq/L confirms cystic fibrosis.
- HUS = Hamburger → bloody diarrhea → Uremia, Smashed RBCs, low platelets.
Recall: This is classic hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) following E. coli O157:H7 infection (associated with undercooked beef).
- UC + dilated colon >6 cm + sick child = toxic megacolon.
Recall: Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of IBD characterized by colonic dilation >6 cm plus systemic toxicity (fever, tachycardia, hypotension).
- Barbiturates Bring on porphyria attacks – absolutely avoid.
Recall: Barbiturates are potent inducers of hepatic ALA synthase and are absolutely contraindicated in acute porphyrias – they can trigger severe, life-threatening attacks.
- Down + neck pain + cord signs = atlantoaxial instability.
Recall: Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) occurs in 10-20% of Down syndrome children due to ligamentous laxity.
- “hEDS = Hypermobility is the main feature; skin is mostly spared.” Glycogen Storage Diseases
Recall: Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common EDS type, characterized by generalized joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and recurrent dislocations without significant skin involvement or scarring.
- Hunter has no Haze (corneal clouding) and Hits only boys (X-linked).
Recall: MPS II (Hunter syndrome) is distinguished by: 1) No corneal clouding (unlike Hurler), and 2) X-linked recessive inheritance (only affects males).
- Kawasaki = K-coronary complications; always get an echo.
Recall: This is classic Kawasaki disease meeting all major criteria: fever ≥5 days plus 4/5 features (conjunctivitis, oral changes, rash, extremity changes, lymphadenopathy).
- High-dose IVIG = Hold live vaccines 11 months.
Recall: IVIG contains antibodies that interfere with live vaccine responses.
- “Myelo-Hydro connection” – myelomeningocele almost always brings hydrocephalus along.
Recall: Hydrocephalus occurs in 80-90% of children with myelomeningocele due to associated Arnold-Chiari II malformation, which obstructs CSF flow.
- Medullo in the Middle (vermis) of childhood
Recall: Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, arising from the cerebellar vermis and filling the fourth ventricle, causing obstructive hydrocephalus.
- Posterior Pituitary stores ADH – damage = DI
Recall: Central diabetes insipidus following head trauma indicates damage to the posterior pituitary or hypothalamic nuclei that produce/release ADH (vasopressin).
- Progressive Solids→Liquids + Weight loss = Cancer until proven otherwise
Recall: Progressive dysphagia from solids to liquids with significant weight loss in an elderly patient with smoking/alcohol history strongly suggests esophageal carcinoma.
- ALP Skyrockets in Obstruction
Recall: Obstructive jaundice shows predominantly conjugated (direct) hyperbilirubinemia with markedly elevated ALP (due to bile duct epithelial enzyme induction) and only mildly elevated transaminases.
- Board-like belly + No bowel sounds = Burst appendix
Recall: Perforation typically occurs 24-72 hours after symptom onset.
- Missed period + Acute belly + Shock = Ruptured ectopic
Recall: The triad of amenorrhea, vaginal bleeding, and acute lower abdominal pain with hemodynamic instability strongly suggests ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
- Erect CXR to see gas ESCAPE under diaphragm
Recall: Erect chest X-ray is the initial investigation of choice, detecting free gas under the diaphragm in 70-80% of perforations (best seen on right side as black crescent).
- DOOM = Death from Oozing of iliac vessels
Recall: The “triangle of doom” is bounded by the vas deferens (medially) and gonadal vessels (laterally), containing the external iliac artery and vein.
- Erythema Nodosum = Eyes on disease activity
Recall: Erythema nodosum (painful red nodules on shins) correlates with UC disease activity and improves with treatment of the underlying colitis.
- Adenoma = Almost cancer = needs Annual/regular surveillance
Recall: Adenomatous polyps (tubular, villous, tubulovillous) are premalignant with malignant potential following the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.
- 35 with problems, 40 without = surgery threshold
Recall: Standard indications for bariatric surgery: BMI ≥40 kg/m² (morbid obesity) OR BMI ≥35 kg/m² with serious obesity-related comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, severe joint disease).
- Thiamine Before glucose, or Brain damage occurs
Recall: Thiamine must be given before glucose in malnourished/alcoholic patients.
- E = nErves (ataxia, neuropathy, retinal degeneration)
Recall: Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and deficiency causes neurological dysfunction: spinocerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and myopathy.
- Cauda equina = Can’t pee (retention), Can’t feel saddle, Can’t wait (emergency)
Recall: Cauda equina syndrome is a surgical emergency caused by massive disc herniation compressing the cauda equina.
- Amplitude = Axon, Velocity = myelin sheath.
Recall: This presentation is classic diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is primarily an axonal neuropathy.
- Lhermitte’s Lightning = demyelination at cervical cord = MS until proven otherwise.
Recall: Lhermitte’s sign (electric shock sensation on neck flexion) combined with progressive spastic paraparesis and bladder dysfunction in a middle-aged woman is highly suggestive of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
- PCA = Posterior vision + Sensory thalamus = Hemianopia + Hemisensory loss.
Recall: Left homonymous hemianopia (indicating right occipital lobe involvement) combined with contralateral hemisensory loss and hemiparesis (arm and leg) with face sparing suggests right posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory infarction.
- No eyes moving to cold water (VOR) + No pupil response = Brainstem Not functioning.
Recall: Absent vestibulo-ocular (caloric) reflexes combined with fixed dilated pupils indicate complete brainstem dysfunction, carrying the worst prognosis in coma.
- Huntington’s = CAG (CAGe the mutant huntingtin) on Chromosome 4, Chorea + Cognitive + Psychiatric.
Recall: This presentation describes Huntington’s disease: chorea, psychiatric symptoms (depression, irritability), cognitive decline, impaired saccades (“motor impersistence”), and positive family history suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance.
- HSE can trigger NMDA-receptor antibodies = post-viral Autoimmune Attack on neurons.
Recall: Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) causes limbic encephalitis (behavioral changes, memory impairment, seizures) with characteristic medial temporal lobe involvement on MRI.
- Diverticular bleeding = Dramatic, Painless, elderly + anticoagulation = higher risk.
Recall: Painless hematochezia in an elderly patient with diverticulosis (most commonly right-sided diverticula bleed despite being more prevalent in the left colon) is classic diverticular hemorrhage.
- OSA shakes the heart–Apnea causes A-Fib.
Recall: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with AHI >30 (severe) significantly increases cardiovascular risk.
- Vipers = Venom that Viciously attacks Vessels and coagulation.
Recall: This presentation describes viperid (pit viper: rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth) envenomation characterized by local tissue effects (swelling, ecchymoses) and hemotoxic/coagulopathic effects (prolonged INR, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia from venom metalloproteinases and phospholipases).
- DCS = Don’t delay–O2, fluids, then Chamber Soon.
Recall: This is decompression sickness (DCS) Type II with musculoskeletal involvement (joint pain), neurological symptoms (confusion, weakness indicating spinal cord involvement), and skin manifestations (cutis marmorata).
- Thrombotic APS in pregnancy = Therapeutic anticoagulation + Aspirin.
Recall: This patient has definite antiphospholipid syndrome (APS): clinical criteria (recurrent pregnancy loss + thrombosis) plus laboratory criteria (triple-positive for aPL antibodies confirmed twice ≥12 weeks apart).
- Severe GPA = Steroids + Rituximab + Plasma Exchange (3-pronged attack for severe disease).
Recall: For severe GPA with life-threatening renal involvement (creatinine >5.7 mg/dL or dialysis-dependent, some would initiate at lower thresholds), treatment includes: corticosteroids + rituximab (or cyclophosphamide) + plasma exchange (PEXIVAS trial showed benefit in severe renal disease).
- Mucor in diabetics = Black death = Ampho B + Aggressive surgery; Muck must be cut out.
Recall: This is rhinocerebral mucormycosis (zygomycosis), a life-threatening invasive fungal infection in diabetic patients (especially with ketoacidosis) and immunocompromised hosts.
- SSRIs for Surviving Stress–Sertraline first.
Recall: Sertraline and paroxetine are the only FDA-approved medications for PTSD.
- OCD needs Super-high SSRI doses.
Recall: SSRIs are first-line pharmacotherapy for OCD because serotonin dysfunction underlies OCD pathophysiology.
- Trichotillomania = Trich (hair) + Mania for pulling.
Recall: Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) is classified under OCD-related disorders in DSM-5.
- Primary gain = Psychological conflict Pushed out of awareness.
Recall: In conversion disorder, primary gain refers to the unconscious psychological benefit of keeping internal conflict out of awareness by converting it into physical symptoms.
- Theory of Mind = Thinking about others’ Thoughts.
Recall: Theory of mind is the ability to attribute mental states (beliefs, desires, intentions) to others and understand that others have thoughts different from one’s own.
- MDMA = Massively elevated temperature, Dancing, Moving, Agitated.
Recall: MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) intoxication presents with sympathomimetic toxidrome (hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia, mydriasis, diaphoresis) plus serotonergic features (jaw clenching/bruxism, hyperreflexia).
- D2 blockade in nigrostriatal = Dystonia.
Recall: Acute dystonia results from dopamine D2 receptor blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway, disrupting the dopamine-acetylcholine balance in the basal ganglia.
- Starvation Suppresses the HPG axis–low FSH, LH, and Estradiol.
Recall: In anorexia nervosa (restricting type), hypothalamic suppression leads to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with low FSH, LH, and estradiol, causing amenorrhea.
- BED = Binge without the purge, often with elevated BMI.
Recall: Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating (large amounts, loss of control, rapid eating, eating despite fullness, eating alone, guilt) at least once weekly for 3 months WITHOUT compensatory behaviors.
- Mild NVP = Modify diet first, Medication later if needed.
Recall: This patient has nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), not hyperemesis gravidarum–she maintains intake, has no weight loss, and no ketonuria.
- XYY = eXtra Y = Xtremely tall, Youngster with learning issues, but often normal.
Recall: 47,XYY syndrome (Jacob syndrome) often goes undiagnosed because most males are phenotypically normal.
- Autosomal Dominant = 50% transmission from affected parent.
Recall: Huntington disease is autosomal dominant.
- Trisomy 16 = most common Trisomy in loss, Typically sporadic.
Recall: Trisomy 16 is the most common trisomy found in first-trimester miscarriages (~30% of trisomic losses).