Over the past 14 years I’ve seen a lot of people make up A LOT of points, but I don’t think there’s anyone who’s done what this student did. Listen up. This is a good one. The post PANCE Skyrockets From 222 to a 359!!! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review .
May 13, 2025•37 min
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 […] The post 130B PANCE Prep for Infectious Neuro Disorders appeared first on Physician As...
Apr 29, 2025•18 min
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 Findings: Diagnosis: Empiric Treatment: Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis […] The post 13...
Apr 16, 2025•24 min
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. Essentials: • […] The post 129b: Quick Encephalopathy Review fo...
Apr 08, 2025•17 min
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 & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Hypertensive […]...
Mar 19, 2025•24 min
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 […] The post 128b Cranial Neves 6-12 PANCE Practice appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Mar 13, 2025•23 min
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 Treatment […] The post 128: Cranial Nerves 6-12 appeared first o...
Mar 06, 2025•35 min
Not a lot of notes for today. Look back to Episode 127 for the complete notes. https://www.physicianassistantexamreview.com/127 The post 127b: Cranial Nerves 1-5 PANCE Questions and Review appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review .
Feb 26, 2025•18 min
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: Cranial Nerve Palsies – Part 1 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Feb 11, 2025•46 min
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, Coma PANCE Questions appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ...
Feb 04, 2025•17 min
Today I got something really special and I have two people who have done amazing things and want to share their experience. Let’s go ahead and get started.. The post +130 Points & From Struggling to Graduating! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review .
Jan 22, 2025•52 min
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 hypotension (sudden positional changes) […] The post 126 Syncope, Coma...
Jan 14, 2025•34 min
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 bifurcations in the Circle of […] The post 125b Retention Practice &...
Jan 07, 2025•21 min
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 […] The post 125 Cerebrovascular Part 2 & Exciting things in January appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Dec 31, 2024•39 min
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 and Strokes appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Dec 24, 2024•19 min
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 CT […] The post 124 Strokes and TIAs appeared first on Physician...
Dec 17, 2024•34 min
An inspirational story for anyone who’s struggling and isn’t sure how to make it all work. The post From At Risk to Crushing It! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review .
Jan 13, 2024•41 min
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 […] The post 123 Seizures & Cognitive Disorders – Last episode of 2023 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Dec 19, 2023•37 min
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 Peripheral Nerve Disorders & how to keep getting better at what you do ...
Dec 05, 2023•28 min
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 Physical […] The post 121 Movement Disorders – Best episode ever appeared first o...
Nov 15, 2023•36 min
Grab your Neuro Rapid Review Questions I created an Active Study Guide for this episode with Sticky Stories, PANCE questoins and more. Click here to get it. Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Differential Diagnosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Risk Factors Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings […] The post 120 Movement Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Oct 24, 2023•21 min
We turn the tables here and a struggling graduate interviews me about how I can be of service to her. The post Next steps after failing the PANCE twice. appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review .
Oct 19, 2023
A fantastic episode packed with ideas for the time strapped student who feels like they’re the only one. Ada knocked it out of the park. Grab a notebook and pen because you’re going to want to take notes during this one. The post Unique Challenges In PA School appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review .
Oct 10, 2023
Grab your Neuro Rapid Review Questions Cluster Headache Extremely painful unilateral headaches which occur in clusters throughout the day and may continue for months. Pain is on the level with passing kidney stones and childbirth. Ther term cluster refers to the fact that symptoms are cyclical or come in clusters Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies and […] The post 119 Headaches – Get These Right! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Oct 05, 2023•22 min
Grab your Neuro Rapid Review Questions Concussion A concussion, also known as minor or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), results from head trauma causing blunt injury to the brain. Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Post-concussion Syndrome (PCS) Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is th set o symptoms that can persist for an extended […] The post 118: Brain Trauma & Memorizing Medication tip appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Sep 26, 2023•24 min
Something extraordinary for you this week: recent grad and PANCE passer Heather Hyon, PA-C joins me today. I wanted to bring her on because her journey was not a straight line. It had a lot of ups and downs and bumps and bruises along the way. You can hear in her voice the emotion of […] The post PA Student Finds Her Way appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review ....
Sep 19, 2023•57 min
<< Get 25 musculoskeletal questions here –> www.physicianassistantexamreview.com/msk >>>>> The post 116 Rheumatology Part 2: It’s Hard! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review .
Sep 12, 2023•30 min
Find out more and register for the giveaway here. www.physicianassistantexamreview.com/give Muscle and Connective Tissue Pain (Fibromyalgia) Muscle and Connective Tissue Pain (Fibromyalgia) Muscle and connective tissue pain, also known as myalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, is a condition characterized by widespread pain and discomfort in the muscles and soft tissues. This condition is frequently associated […] The post 115 Rheumatology Part 1 and a $2,500 giveaway appeared first on Physician ...
Sep 07, 2023•30 min
<<<< Get 25 Musculoskeletal Questions pulled straight from the book that’s helped thousands of PA students, The Final Step. Click here www.physicianassistantexamreview.com/msk >>>>> Osteoarthritis Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Acute/chronic osteomyelitis Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Septic arthritis Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Treatment […] The post...
Aug 24, 2023•32 min
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Kyphosis (Humpback) Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Scoliosis Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Risk factors Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Treatment The post 113: Spine Part 2 & A New Frame to Retain More of What You Learn appeared first on Physician Assist...
Aug 08, 2023•32 min