List of medical mnemonics

Medical mnemonics are memory aids used by medical students, professionals, and others to remember complex and important information in the field of medicine. These mnemonics often take the form of acronyms, phrases, or poems and are particularly useful in memorizing lists, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and other information where a straightforward recall is necessary. This article provides a list of some common medical mnemonics categorized by their application in medical studies and practice.

Anatomy

• Cranial Nerves: "Oh, Oh, Oh, To Touch And Feel Very Green Vegetables, AH!"
  • Stands for: Olfactory, Optic, Oculomotor, Trochlear, Trigeminal, Abducens, Facial, Vestibulocochlear, Glossopharyngeal, Vagus, Accessory, Hypoglossal.

• Bones of the Wrist (Carpal bones): "Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle"
  • Stands for: Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate.

Pharmacology

• Phases of Clinical Trials: "Please Let Granny Brown Bring Peaches To Your Wedding"
  • Stands for: Pharmacodynamics, Legal (ethical), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), Bioavailability, Bioequivalence, Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology, Yield (manufacture), Worldwide marketing.

• Anticholinergic Side Effects: "Can't See, Can't Pee, Can't Spit, Can't Shit"
  • Describes the common side effects of anticholinergic drugs: blurred vision, urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation.

Pathology

• Risk Factors for Stroke: "Sudden Trouble Walking, Speaking, Seeing, Understanding, Numbness, Confusion, Headache"
  • Highlights the main symptoms and risk factors to look out for in stroke patients.

Pediatrics

• APGAR Score Components: "Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration"
  • A quick test performed on a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute score tells the healthcare provider how well the baby is doing outside the mother's womb.

Psychiatry

• Major Depressive Disorder Criteria: "SIG E CAPS" (Sleep, Interest, Guilt, Energy, Concentration, Appetite, Psychomotor, Suicidal ideation)
  • Represents the criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder.

Miscellaneous

• Rules of Residency: "Eat when you can, sleep when you can, don't mess with the pancreas"
  • A humorous mnemonic reminding medical residents of the unpredictability and intensity of their workload, and the importance of self-care.

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