Neurocysticercosis: An Easy to Miss Diagnosis in Non-Endemic Regions.

A 29-year-old male presented with swollen gums and stomatitis for the past two months. History revealed that he had moved to the United States from India six years ago and had a first episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure with confusion and loss of consciousness. Meningioma of the brain was diagnosed, and a Gamma Knife excision of the meningioma was planned. The patient refused to proceed with the surgery and came back to India for a second opinion. Upon repeat MRI scan, the neurosurgeon revised the diagnosis to neurocysticercosis (NCC), and the patient was treated with albendazole, prednisolone, and phenytoin and recovered completely. Hence an unnecessary brain surgery was avoided. The complaint of stomatitis and gingival hypertrophy was due to the side effects of phenytoin. NCC remains a major public health problem in developing countries, and it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients from NCC endemic regions.

Team-based Learning Strategy in Biochemistry: Perceptions and Attitudes of Faculty and 1st-Year Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: Team-based learning (TBL) strategy has been widely adapted by medical schools all over the world, but the reports regarding the perceptions and the attitudes of faculty and undergraduate medical students towards TBL approach have been conflicting. AIM: The study aimed to introduce TBL strategy in curriculum of Biochemistry after evaluating its effectiveness through perceptions and attitudes of faculty and 1st-year medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty students of first professional M.B.B.S and five faculty members participated in the study. Their responses regarding perceptions and attitudes towards TBL strategy were collected using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, paired sample t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Majority of the students expressed satisfaction with team approach and reported improvement in the academic scores, learning styles, and development of problem-solving, interpersonal, and professional skills. The faculty, however, recommended a modified TBL approach to benefit all sections of the students for the overall success of this intervention. CONCLUSION: TBL is an effective technique to enable the students to master the core concepts and develop professional and critical thinking skills; however, for the 1st-year medical students, a modified TBL approach might be more appropriate for the effective outcomes.