USMLE Lab Values Blood

Psychotherapy: 85b - Neurological Diseases in Women

This flashcard set explains how fluctuations in sex hormones—particularly estrogen and progesterone—affect seizure frequency in epilepsy, trigger menstrually related migraines, and influence immune activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). It highlights the role of estrogen in inflammatory responses and the protective shift seen during pregnancy.

Psychotherapy: 84b - Brain States and Coma

This flashcard set outlines different levels of impaired consciousness—obtundation, stupor, and coma—ranked from most to least responsive. It also defines brain death as a clinical diagnosis marked by the absence of all brainstem reflexes and purposeful responses, distinguishing it from states where minimal reflexive or autonomic functions may still occur.

Psychotherapy: Clinical Medicine

This flashcard set identifies and differentiates disorganized thought processes such as flight of ideas and loose associations, which are key indicators in diagnosing mental health conditions like mania and schizophrenia. It also situates these features within the thought process section of the mental status exam.

USMLE - Micro Viruses

Reassortment occurs when viruses with segmented genomes exchange genetic segments, creating new combinations. This can lead to rapid evolution, high-frequency recombination, and potentially global pandemics. A common example is the influenza virus.

USMLE - Micro Mycology

Includes Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, and Paracoccidioides, which cause pneumonia and systemic dissemination

USMLE - Reproduction Part 4

Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum, often seen in premature infants. It leads to impaired spermatogenesis due to higher abdominal temperatures but usually normal testosterone if unilateral. It is associated with an increased risk of germ cell tumors, and labs may show ↑ FSH, ↑ LH, ↓ inhibin B, and ↓ testosterone if bilateral.