In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter break down how to take a structured headache history — one of the most common and important presentations in OSCEs and clinical practice.

We explore the different headache types, how to use the SOCRATES framework effectively, and the key associated symptoms you must always ask about.
You’ll also learn how to spot migraine aura, identify dangerous red flags, and recognise signs of raised intracranial pressure.

Key Points

• Most headaches are benign, but red flags must be recognised early.

• Use the SOCRATES structure for clear, systematic history taking.

• Ask about associated symptoms using a head-to-toe approach.

• Migraine aura can mimic stroke → take a clear timeline.

• Past medical and drug history are essential in diagnosis.

• Red flags include fever, weight loss, neurological deficits, immunosuppression, and sudden onset.

• Chronic headaches can relate to raised intracranial pressure.

• Weight and lifestyle factors influence headache patterns.

• Family history may help differentiate migraine types.

• Always consider the impact on daily functioning.

🎙️ Episode – Thyroid History Taking: Hyper vs Hypo | OSCE Talk

In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter take a deep dive into how to take a structured thyroid history — a topic many students find challenging due to vague and non-specific symptoms.

We break down the key features of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, how to differentiate them clinically, and the important red flags you must not miss, including thyroid storm and malignancy concerns. The discussion also covers autoimmune associations, postpartum thyroid disease, and how patients often present in subtle ways that require attentive, structured questioning.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear framework for approaching thyroid histories in OSCEs, along with practical tips on patient interaction and clinical reasoning.

• Thyroid symptoms can be vague and easily overlooked — structure is essential.

• Hyperthyroidism can mimic anxiety, agitation, or other mental health conditions.

• Hypothyroidism often presents subtly with fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes.

• Always keep thyroid storm in mind as a dangerous hyperthyroid presentation.

• Consider thyroid cancer red flags such as neck lumps or compressive symptoms.

• Autoimmune thyroid disease commonly clusters with other autoimmune conditions.

• Thyroid dysfunction can develop post-pregnancy.

• Patients frequently present non-specifically, making good history taking vital.

• Stick to your structure — it will help you identify patterns and red flags confidently.

In this episode of OSCE Talk, we break down Type 2 diabetes — one of the most common and important long-term conditions you'll encounter in both exams and clinical practice.
We cover the underlying insulin resistance, the key symptoms and diagnostic thresholds, major risk factors, and how to take a focused diabetes history in an OSCE.

You'll also learn the stepwise approach to management, including lifestyle changes, metformin, and newer agents like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists.
We also discuss the impact of chronic hyperglycaemia on patients and healthcare systems, and why Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent.

This episode includes practical explanations, exam-relevant tips, and memorable frameworks to help you confidently assess and manage patients with Type 2 diabetes

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🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/osce-talk/id1845051423

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In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter break down Type 1 diabetes — a lifelong autoimmune condition in which the body destroys its own insulin-producing beta cells.

We explore its pathophysiology, how to recognise the early clinical signs, and the essential diagnostic criteria you need to know for exams and real-world practice. The discussion covers day-to-day management, insulin therapy, the role of technology such as continuous glucose monitors, and the short- and long-term complications clinicians must watch for.

A structured approach to patient interaction ties the theory together, helping you feel confident taking a Type 1 diabetes history in your OSCEs.

• Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition leading to absolute insulin deficiency.

• Insulin is vital for glucose uptake — without it, hyperglycaemia develops.

• Classic symptoms follow the four T’s: thirsty, toilet, thin, tired.

• Viral infections and genetics are common triggers.

• Patients are at increased risk of infections.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical emergency — recognise it early.

• Blood sugar monitoring and insulin adjustment are essential to safe management.

• CGM devices and technology improve long-term outcomes.

• Complications divide into microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and macrovascular disease.

• Autoimmune conditions often cluster — family history matters.

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In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter break down how to take a clear, structured, and sensitive urinary history — one of the most commonly examined presentations in OSCEs and everyday clinical practice.

We explore the key voiding and storage symptoms, how to approach more delicate topics such as incontinence, sexual health, and prostate symptoms, and the significance of red flags like hematuria. The episode also highlights relevant past medical history, family history, and the essential investigations used to guide diagnosis.

A practical example ties everything together, helping you understand how to structure your questions confidently and communicate with patients respectfully.

• A structured urinary history is essential for accurate diagnosis.

• Voiding symptoms include hesitancy, straining, weak stream, and incomplete emptying.

• Storage symptoms include frequency, urgency, nocturia, and urge/stress incontinence.

• Hematuria is a major red flag — always take seriously.

• Sexual history and STI risk should be approached sensitively and professionally.

• Past medical history may reveal diabetes, neurological disease, or prostate issues.

• Family history can signal increased prostate cancer risk.

• Urine dipstick testing provides rapid, valuable diagnostic information.

• Know when to refer to urology for further assessment.

• Clear communication is crucial, especially with sensitive symptoms.

  
  

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In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter break down how to approach gastrointestinal (GI) presentations, with a focus on understanding abdominal pain — one of the most common and challenging complaints in both OSCEs and real clinical practice.

We explore how to differentiate visceral vs. somatic pain, how pain location guides diagnosis, and the key symptoms and red flags you must not miss. The episode also clarifies the differences between IBS and IBD, highlights high-yield investigations such as Q-fit testing, and explains how a detailed medical history helps identify causes ranging from adhesions to inflammatory bowel disease.

This structured approach will boost your confidence in OSCEs and help you communicate clearly and safely with patients presenting with abdominal concerns.

• GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, altered bowel habits, and more.

• Pain location and quality are essential for narrowing your differential.

• Visceral pain is vague and poorly localized; somatic pain is sharp and specific.

• Classic appendicitis begins centrally and moves to the right iliac fossa.

• GI red flags can be nonspecific but are vital to identify early.

• Q-fit testing is key when assessing lower GI bleeding or colorectal symptoms.

• IBS is a functional syndrome; IBD (Crohn’s/UC) is an inflammatory disease.

• Always explore previous surgeries, as adhesions can cause recurrent pain.

• Rectal bleeding should prompt careful assessment for serious pathology.

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In this episode of OSCE Talk we focus on the history and clinical presentation of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, alongside its impact on patients.

Key aspects to highlight in this episode include:

• Joint pain in osteoarthritis worsens with activity, while in rheumatoid arthritis, it can occur at rest.
• Morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis lasts longer than in osteoarthritis.
• Physical activity with weight loss can help manage osteoarthritis symptoms.
• Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is often clinical, alongside using XRay to visualise the joint space.
• LOSS mnemonic- loss of joint space, osteophytes, subchondral cysts, subchondral sclerosis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis requires aggressive treatment to prevent joint damage, often requiring methotrexate, steroids and other DMARDs
• Associated factors in RA include uveitis, urinary tract symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Family history plays a significant role in both conditions.
• Management of osteoarthritis focuses on maintaining function and pain relief.

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In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter explore how to take a clear and structured musculoskeletal (MSK) history — one of the most versatile and important skills in clinical exams and everyday practice.

We cover how to assess joint pain, identify patterns and red flags, and distinguish between mechanical and inflammatory causes such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The discussion also highlights the patient interaction side of MSK medicine — from managing chronic pain to recognising its mental health impact.

You’ll also learn how to spot emergency red flags, including cauda equina syndrome, and how to use frameworks like SOCRATES or OPERA to structure your questioning effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Use SOCRATES or OPERA to structure your MSK history.

• Determine whether pain affects distal or proximal joints.

• Morning stiffness often points toward inflammatory arthritis.

• Symmetrical swelling suggests systemic inflammatory disease.

• Thoracic back pain, numbness, or bladder/bowel dysfunction are red flags.

• Always consider cauda equina syndrome in back pain histories.

• Address the mental health impact of chronic conditions.

• Show empathy — patients with long-term pain often feel frustrated or unheard.

• Combine structure with active listening for effective consultations.

00:00 – Understanding MSK History
01:58 – Identifying Symptoms and Patterns
04:47 – Red Flags in MSK Conditions
07:06 – Exploring Cauda Equina Syndrome
09:25 – Patient Interaction and History Taking

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In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter explore anaemia — one of the most common presentations in clinical medicine and a frequent OSCE topic.

You’ll learn how to take a focused anaemia history, recognise key symptoms and red flags, and confidently approach diagnosis and management in both exams and real-life settings.

We cover the main types of anaemia — microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic — along with essential investigations and a step-by-step approach to managing iron deficiency anaemia. The episode ends with a realistic case example to help you structure your answers and boost OSCE confidence.

• Understand how anaemia presents and why it’s important in OSCEs.

• Use a structured approach to history taking and investigation.

• Recognise common causes like iron deficiency, chronic disease, and B12/folate deficiency.

• Identify red flags such as bleeding, weight loss, or unexplained fatigue.

• Know your core investigations – FBC, MCV, ferritin, and reticulocytes.

• Learn the management steps for iron deficiency anaemia.

• Apply your knowledge with a case-based example for practical learning.

00:00 – What Is Anaemia?
02:44 – Causes of Anaemia
05:34 – How to Take an Anaemia History
08:41 – Investigations and Diagnosis
11:51 – Management Strategies
14:45 – Case Study Example

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🎙️ Episode 6 – Asthma History Taking & Management | OSCE Talk

In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter take a deep dive into asthma — one of the most common and high-yield respiratory conditions in both OSCEs and clinical practice.

We discuss how to take a clear, structured asthma history, identify common triggers, and assess control. You’ll also learn how to explain inhaler use effectively and manage acute exacerbations using a logical, stepwise approach. A short case example ties everything together — from history taking to diagnosis and treatment planning.

Whether you’re revising for exams or building confidence in clinical placements, this episode gives you a concise, practical framework to approach asthma with confidence and professionalism.

Key Takeaways

• Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder causing reversible obstruction.

• Common triggers include allergens, cold air, and exercise.

• Always assess symptom pattern, control, and impact on sleep or activity.

• Check inhaler technique at every review — errors are common.

• Acute asthma attacks require immediate oxygen, bronchodilators, steroids, and escalation if severe.

• Family and allergy history often provide valuable context.

• Use peak flow monitoring to assess control and response to treatment.

• Patient education and written asthma action plans are key to long-term management.

• Encourage regular follow-ups to adjust therapy and reinforce good habits.

  
  

00:00 – Understanding Asthma: Definition and Overview
02:15 – Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
05:07 – Asthma Attacks: Emergency Management
07:42 – Patient History: A Case Study
12:27 – Treatment Recommendations and Conclusion

🎧 Listen & Follow:
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🎓 Key Takeaways⏱️ Chapters