• What it is: Otoconia displaced into a semicircular canal (ear crystals where they shouldn’t be).
• Classic signs: Brief vertigo (<60 sec), triggered by position changes, upbeating torsional nystagmus, no hearing loss.
• Rule-in test: Dix-Hallpike.
• Rule-out clues: Long-lasting vertigo, neuro deficits, hearing symptoms → think neuritis/Ménière’s.
• NPTE trap: Nystagmus >60 seconds = NOT typical BPPV (think cupulolithiasis).
• Best treatment: Epley every. single. time.
• Mock question included: Yes — test yourself before you move on.

Listen in and pass this question forever in under 3 minutes.

More NPTE wins every week — hit follow.

• What it is:
• ACL failure from excessive anterior tibial translation — basically the tibia tries to run off and the ACL can’t hold the line.
• Classic signs:
• Pop
• Immediate swelling (1–2 hours)
• Pivot / cutting mechanism
• Instability
• Difficulty weight-bearing
• Rule-in test:
• Lachman test — NPTE’s #1.
• Rule-out clues:
• Slow swelling → Meniscus
• Posterior sag → PCL
• Medial pain → MCL
• NPTE trap:
• Delayed swelling means NOT ACL.
• Best treatment:
• Early ROM, quads, swelling control, gait normalized.
• Mock question included: Yes — test yourself before you move on.

Lock down ACLs in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

• What it is:
• Injury to the medial or lateral meniscus — the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage — often caused by twisting or deep flexion.
• Classic signs:
• Joint line pain
• Locking or catching
• Clicking
• Delayed swelling (24–48 hours)
• Pain with squatting/twisting
• Rule-in test:
• McMurray test (NPTE’s go-to)
• Rule-out clues:
• Immediate swelling → ACL
• Posterior sag → PCL
• Medial tenderness → MCL
• NPTE trap:
• Locking/catching = meniscus, even if the question tries to distract you.
• Best treatment:
• ROM, swelling reduction, quads/hip strength, progressive loading.
• Mock question included: Yes.

Lock down meniscus tears in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

• What it is:
• Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament from excessive posterior translation of the tibia — often from dashboard impact or falling on a flexed knee.
• Classic signs:
• Posterior sag sign
• Posterior knee pain
• Difficulty descending stairs
• Instability (less dramatic than ACL)
• Dashboard injury mechanism
• Rule-in test:
• Posterior Drawer Test (NPTE’s favorite)
• Rule-out clues:
• Immediate swelling → ACL
• Locking/catching → Meniscus
• Medial tenderness → MCL
• NPTE trap:
• “Dashboard injury” = PCL. Never ignore it.
• Best treatment:
• ROM, quad strength, avoid early hamstring loading.
• Mock question included: Yes.

Lock down PCL injuries in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

• What it is:
• Sprain/tear of the MCL from valgus force or lateral blow.
• Classic signs:
• Medial knee pain
• Pain with valgus stress
• Local tenderness
• Mild swelling
• Lateral blow mechanism
• Rule-in test:
• Valgus Stress Test at 30°
• Rule-out clues:
• Pop + immediate swelling → ACL
• Locking → Meniscus
• Posterior sag → PCL
• NPTE trap:
• Valgus force + medial pain = MCL. Full stop.
• Best treatment:
• ROM, quad/hip strength, bracing, progressive load.

Mock question included. Listen in and lock it down.

• What it is:
• Non-mechanical symptoms raising suspicion for malignancy.
• Classic signs:
• Night pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant, deep ache
• No mechanical pattern
• History of cancer
• Rule-in test:
• None — this is a screening cluster.
• Rule-out clues:
• Pain that changes with movement or position.
• NPTE trap:
• Night pain + weight loss = refer immediately.
• Best treatment:
• Medical referral, not PT.

You studied and passed the NPTE!

CONGRATS!

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Self Assessment

Welcome back to NPTE Studycast, your indispensable guide for mastering the NPTE! In this episode, we're diving deep into Parkinson's Disease—a subject crucial not just for the NPTE but also for your real-world clinical practice. Listen in to expand your understanding and enhance your skills in addressing this complex condition.