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  • Question 1 - A 29 year-old new mother presented with a headache that was first noticed...

    Correct

    • A 29 year-old new mother presented with a headache that was first noticed as she was picking up her 5 week-old baby. On admission, she was unable to tolerate the lights and complained of feeling sick. Fundoscopy showed bilateral papilledema, and she was complaining that she was unable to see on her left side. CT head showed a small right occipital bleed. Which of the following treatments is most appropriate?

      Your Answer: Heparin

      Explanation:

      This patient has developed a venous sinus thrombosis peri-partum, resulting in her symptoms. Anticoagulation therapy including Heparin improves outcomes.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      30.4
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - A 42 year old male undergoes a routine cranial nerve examination, which reveals...

    Correct

    • A 42 year old male undergoes a routine cranial nerve examination, which reveals the following findings: Rinne's test: Air conduction > bone conduction in both ears Weber's test: Localizes to the right side What do these test results imply?

      Your Answer: Left sensorineural deafness

      Explanation:

      Weber’s test – if there is a sensorineural problem, the sound is localized to the unaffected side (right), indicating a problem on the left side.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      29.8
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - A 43 year-old female artist with no past medical history presents to the...

    Correct

    • A 43 year-old female artist with no past medical history presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of pins and needles in the lower limbs, and progressive walking difficulties. She states she had diarrhoea 1 week ago. On examination, there is a loss of pinprick sensation noted to the lower limbs from mid-thigh distally and in the upper limbs from MCP joints distally. There is bilateral weakness of ankle dorsiflexion, noted at 3/5, and knee flexion and extension weakness, noted at 4/5 bilaterally. Power in upper and lower limbs is otherwise normal. Knee and ankle deep tendon reflexes are absent. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Guillain-Barre syndrome

      Explanation:

      Guillain-Barre syndrome is an immune mediated demyelination of the peripheral nervous system often triggered by an infection (classically Campylobacter jejuni). Characteristic features include progressive weakness of all four limbs, and it is classically ascending, affecting the lower extremities first. Sensory symptoms tend to be mild.

      Functional neurological syndrome can be discounted due to presence of hard neurological signs. Multiple sclerosis can be excluded because of the presence of lower motor neuron signs and absence of upper motor neuron signs. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is the chronic form of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      28.3
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - Which of the following features is not associated with an oculomotor nerve palsy?...

    Correct

    • Which of the following features is not associated with an oculomotor nerve palsy?

      Your Answer: Miosis

      Explanation:

      Oculomotor nerve palsy is an eye condition resulting from damage to the third cranial nerve or a branch thereof. A complete oculomotor nerve palsy will result in a characteristic down and out position in the affected eye. This is because the lateral rectus (innervated by the sixth cranial nerve) and superior oblique (innervated by the fourth cranial or trochlear nerve), is unantagonized by the paralyzed superior rectus, inferior rectus and inferior oblique. The affected individual will also have a ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid, and mydriasis (pupil dilation), not miosis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      41.9
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - A 22-year-old male has had complex tics since childhood. He repeatedly bends his...

    Incorrect

    • A 22-year-old male has had complex tics since childhood. He repeatedly bends his knees and rubs his nose. He is prone to loud vocalisations, sometimes including swear-words. A diagnosis of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome has been made. Which of the following is the best treatment option?

      Your Answer: Haloperidol

      Correct Answer: Risperidone

      Explanation:

      Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is the most severe and rare of the tic syndromes, consisting of multiple tics involving both motor actions and vocalisation. Onset is usually in childhood. Symptoms include utterance of obscenities (coprolalia); echolalia (repetition of another person’s spoken words) and palilalia (involuntary repetition of words, phrases, or sentences).
      The underlying cause is unknown, with no particular imaging or standard histopathological abnormalities having been identified. The EEG shows non-specific abnormalities in about half of patients. However, more recent immunocytochemical studies have suggested altered dopamine uptake in the striatal system.
      Risperidone is an effective therapeutic option without the effects associated with chlorpromazine and haloperidol.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      28.4
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - A 41-year-old gentleman undergoes a temporal lobectomy after the discovery of a brain...

    Correct

    • A 41-year-old gentleman undergoes a temporal lobectomy after the discovery of a brain tumour. Which one of the following consequences would be least likely to develop?

      Your Answer: Astereognosis

      Explanation:

      Astereognosis is associated with lesions to the parietal lobe, not the temporal lobe, so this symptom would not arise in this patient.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      12.7
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - A 69 year-old librarian with motor neuron disease is seen in clinic. Which...

    Correct

    • A 69 year-old librarian with motor neuron disease is seen in clinic. Which of the following interventions will have the greatest effect on survival?

      Your Answer: Non-invasive ventilation

      Explanation:

      Motor neuron disease is a neurological condition of unknown cause which can present with both upper and lower motor neuron signs. It rarely presents before age 40 and various patterns of disease are recognised, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy and bulbar palsy.
      Non-invasive ventilation (usually BIPAP) is used at night, with studies having shown a survival benefit of around 7 months. Riluzole prevents stimulation of glutamate receptors, used mainly in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and has been shown to prolong life by about 3 months.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      10.4
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - A 32 year-old man presents with his first generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS). He...

    Incorrect

    • A 32 year-old man presents with his first generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS). He has been complaining of headaches for the past 2 weeks, although he has been able to continue working at his job. Upon examination, he has mild left hemiparesis and bilateral extensor plantar responses. General examination is otherwise unremarkable. An urgent CT scan of the brain shows a 5cm multicentric mass lesion in the right frontal lobe with surrounding vasogenic oedema and some hemisphere shift. Which of the following is the most likely underlying pathology?

      Your Answer: Meningioma

      Correct Answer: Glioblastoma

      Explanation:

      Glioblastoma multiforme, also considered as grade IV astrocytoma, is the most malignant form of the tumour and accounts for about 20% of all cerebral tumours. These often remain clinically silent until they have reached a large enough size. In adults, glioblastoma multiforme usually occurs in the cerebral hemispheres, especially the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. About half occupy more than one hemisphere at presentation, and some are multicentric. Biopsy shows high cellularity with mitoses, pleomorphism, and vascular hyperplasia. Prognosis is extremely poor, with only 20% surviving beyond 1 year and 10% beyond 2 years.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      36.1
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - A 53-year-old cashier with a history of chronic back pain presents for a...

    Correct

    • A 53-year-old cashier with a history of chronic back pain presents for a check-up. He is aware of a dragging feeling affecting his left foot when he tries to walk. This has developed since a minor injury to his left knee. On examination, he has weakness of dorsiflexion and eversion of the left foot. The right is unaffected and plantar flexion and inversion are normal on the left. MRI of the spinal cord shows degenerative disc changes at multiple levels, but no evidence of cord or nerve root impingement. Nerve conduction studies and EMG results are pending. Which of the following sensory loss patterns would you expect to find in association with this motor defect?

      Your Answer: Sensory loss over the dorsum of the foot and anterolateral leg

      Explanation:

      This patient presentation is unlikely to be an L5 nerve root lesion given the results of the MRI scan. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis is a mononeuritis affecting the left common peroneal nerve. This would lead to sensory loss over the dorsum of the foot and anterolateral leg on the left.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      38.2
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - A 35-year-old woman was on a camping holiday in Spain. She awoke at...

    Incorrect

    • A 35-year-old woman was on a camping holiday in Spain. She awoke at three o’clock one morning with severe neck pain radiating down into her left shoulder and down to her forearm. The next day it spread to the dorsal aspect of the forearm. She was otherwise well. Her symptoms resolved after 24 hours. She noticed that after a week she was unable to wind down the car window with her left arm. On examination of the left arm there was wasting of brachioradialis, shoulder, biceps and winging of left scapula. What is the diagnosis?

      Your Answer: C5 root lesion

      Correct Answer: Amyotrophic neuralgia

      Explanation:

      This patient present with the classical symptoms of Amyotrophic neuralgia, characterised by sudden onset of pain in the shoulders that radiate down to the forearms and later resolve spontaneously but is followed by muscle wasting.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      37
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - A 38-year-old musician presented with a two-day history of sudden-onset occipital headache associated...

    Incorrect

    • A 38-year-old musician presented with a two-day history of sudden-onset occipital headache associated with nausea and vomiting. The next day, his right hand became weak for a few hours. On the same day he had an episode of sensory disturbance in his right upper limb consisting of tingling in his hand that spread up the arm, to his shoulder lasting less than two minutes in total. On the day of admission he had a similar episode of sensory disturbance lasting 30 seconds in total. On examination he had bilateral papilledema, no neck stiffness and an otherwise normal neurological examination. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Migraine

      Correct Answer: Venous sinus thrombosis

      Explanation:

      Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is associated with headache (>90% of cases), seizures, focal weakness (40%) and papilledema (40%), all seen in this patient.
      Risk factors for CVST include genetic or acquired prothrombotic disorders, pregnancy, the oral contraceptive pill, vasculitis, malignancy, dehydration and infection. However, there are multiple other associated factors.
      Diagnosis is normally confirmed with magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Treatment is with anticoagulation, initially with heparin and subsequently with warfarin.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      37.5
      Seconds
  • Question 12 - A 30-year-old painter presents with a burning pain in both feet, which has...

    Incorrect

    • A 30-year-old painter presents with a burning pain in both feet, which has deteriorated over the last six months. He drinks 60 units of alcohol weekly and has a family history of pernicious anaemia. On examination he has impairment of all modalities of sensation in both feet but particularly pain, temperature and absent ankle jerks. What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Lead neuropathy

      Correct Answer: Alcoholic peripheral neuropathy

      Explanation:

      Because of the patient’s history of excessive alcohol consumption, there is a strong suspicion of alcoholic peripheral neuropathy. In the UK, alcohol abuse and diabetes are the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      23.8
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - A 73-year-old gentleman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, complains of difficulty walking and...

    Correct

    • A 73-year-old gentleman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, complains of difficulty walking and trouble with his hands. It began with a tingling sensation in his soles, which later extended up to his ankles. He now feels unsteady when walking, and more recently, has noticed numbness and tingling in the fingers of both hands. On examination, he has absent ankle reflexes, a high steppage gait, and altered sensation to his mid-calves. What is the underlying pathological process?

      Your Answer: Axonal degeneration

      Explanation:

      This case presents with sensorimotor neuropathy secondary to his DM. The progression of the neuropathy, known dying-back neuropathy, is a distal axonopathy or axonal degeneration as where the sensorimotor loss begins distally and travels proximally.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      30.2
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - Which of the following types of motor neuron diseases carries the worst prognosis?...

    Correct

    • Which of the following types of motor neuron diseases carries the worst prognosis?

      Your Answer: Progressive bulbar palsy

      Explanation:

      Motor neuron disease is a neurological condition of unknown cause which can present with both upper and lower motor neuron signs. It rarely presents before 40 years and various patterns of disease are recognised including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy and progressive bulbar palsy. In some patients however, there is a combination of clinical patterns. In progressive bulbar palsy there is palsy of the tongue and muscles of chewing/swallowing and facial muscles due to loss of function of brainstem motor nuclei. This carries the worst prognosis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      8.9
      Seconds
  • Question 15 - A 77 year old mail carrier presents to the emergency department with severe...

    Incorrect

    • A 77 year old mail carrier presents to the emergency department with severe flinging movements of his left arm. Where would the causative lesion be located?

      Your Answer: Right caudate nucleus

      Correct Answer: Right subthalamic nucleus

      Explanation:
      Hemiballismus is a hyperkinetic involuntary movement disorder characterized by intermittent, sudden, violent, involuntary, flinging, or ballistic high amplitude movements involving the ipsilateral arm and leg caused by dysfunction in the central nervous system of the contralateral side.
      Global incidence and prevalence are largely unknown, given the wide variety of etiologies but estimated to be 1-2/1,000,000, classifying it as a rare disorder.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      19.3
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - A 26-year-old technician with no past medical history presents to the neurology clinic...

    Correct

    • A 26-year-old technician with no past medical history presents to the neurology clinic complaining of muscle pain. He describes severe bilateral cramping calf pain on minimal exercise. This has been present since his late teens and as such he has avoided exercise. Recently, he has attended the local gym to try and lose weight, but attempts at exercise have been dampened by the pain. He does note that if he perseveres with exercise, the pain settles. He has noticed passing dark urine in the evenings following a prolonged bout of exercise. Which of the following clinical tests would be most useful in aiding the diagnosis in this patient?

      Your Answer: Muscle biopsy

      Explanation:

      The differential diagnosis of bilateral exercise-induced pain would include metabolic muscle disease, lumbar canal stenosis and intermittent claudication. The patient’s age, history and lack of other risk factors make the latter two options unlikely.

      The syndrome described is in fact McArdle’s disease (myophosphorylase deficiency). This is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. Clinical features of pain and fatigue are precipitated in early exercise, as carbohydrates cannot be mobilized to provide an energy substrate to the muscle. With prolonged exercise, fatty acid metabolism provides energy, and symptoms lessen. The dark urine described is likely to represent myoglobinuria following rhabdomyolysis. Definitive diagnosis of most metabolic muscle diseases relies on muscle biopsy and enzyme analysis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      21.4
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - A 72-year-old woman presents with 18 month history of gait ataxia, dysarthria, and...

    Correct

    • A 72-year-old woman presents with 18 month history of gait ataxia, dysarthria, and dysphagia. On examination there is down beating nystagmus and slurred speech. There is past pointing in both upper limbs and a wide-based ataxic gait. Reflexes and sensation are normal. There is no wasting or fasciculations. Plantar response is flexor bilaterally. What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Arnold-Chiari malformation

      Explanation:

      Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) suggests a lesion in the lower part of the medulla. Arnold-Chiari malformation usually presents with symptoms due to brainstem and lower cranial nerve dysfunction such as DBN.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      29.2
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - A 32 year-old active male presents with a three month history of pain...

    Incorrect

    • A 32 year-old active male presents with a three month history of pain in his feet and lower legs. He was previously diagnosed with diabetes at age 14 and treated with insulin. He admits to drinking 30 units of alcohol per week and is a current cannabis smoker. On examination, pain and temperature sensation in his feet are diminished, but joint position and vibratory sensation appear normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

      Correct Answer: Diabetic polyneuropathy

      Explanation:

      The given history suggests a small fibre painful peripheral sensory neuropathy, the most common cause of which is diabetes. Joint position sense and vibratory sensation are carried through large fibres, and therefore are not currently affected. Sensory nerves are affected more often than motor, so reflexes usually remain in tact.

      Vitamin B12 deficiency causes impairment of joint position and vibratory sensation.

      Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIPD) causes a large fibre peripheral neuropathy with areflexia.

      In syringomyelia there is impaired pain and temperature noted in the upper limbs.

      Finally, with alcoholic polyneuropathy, all fibre types are affected (sensory and motor loss). It is usually gradual with long term alcohol abuse and may be accompanied by a nutritional deficiency. In addition, pain is a more dominant feature.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      26.6
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - A 20-year-old gentleman presents to the A&E department complaining of a sudden-onset occipital...

    Correct

    • A 20-year-old gentleman presents to the A&E department complaining of a sudden-onset occipital headache associated with vomiting. His symptoms started 2 hours previously and are continuing. He has a previous history of infrequent migraine without aura, which also causes nausea but not vomiting. He rated his current headache as much more severe than his usual migraine. Examination is unremarkable. In particular, there is no neck stiffness or photophobia. Which of the following management options would be the most appropriate?

      Your Answer: CT brain scan, followed by lumbar puncture if CT normal

      Explanation:

      The patient presented with sudden-onset headache that is more painful than his usual migraine attacks. This gives a high suspicion of subarachnoid haemorrhage; thus, a CT brain scan should be ordered first to rule this out. However, a normal CT scan is apparent in 30% of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage and should be referred for lumbar puncture to look for red blood cells.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      34.2
      Seconds
  • Question 20 - A 27-year-old gentleman presents with a 2 year history of involuntary neck movements....

    Incorrect

    • A 27-year-old gentleman presents with a 2 year history of involuntary neck movements. There is no history of trauma. He is on no drugs. There is no relevant family history. On examination he has an episodic right torticollis. The rest of his neurological examination is normal. MRI of his cervical spine is normal. The neurologist in the Movement Disorders Clinic has diagnosed cervical dystonia. Which of the following treatments will be most beneficial?

      Your Answer: Baclofen

      Correct Answer: Botulinum toxin

      Explanation:

      Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein from Clostridium botulinum that causes flaccid paralysis as it acts by preventing the release of Ach at the neuromuscular joint. It is the first-line treatment for cervical dystonia (torticollis) because the condition is a neurological disorder characterised by unusual muscle contractions of the neck. With the use of Botulinum toxin, the contractions would be released.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      25.8
      Seconds
  • Question 21 - A 74-year-old retired judge who is known to have Alzheimer’s disease is examined...

    Incorrect

    • A 74-year-old retired judge who is known to have Alzheimer’s disease is examined in clinic. His latest Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score is 18 out of 30. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment option?

      Your Answer: Supportive care + memantine

      Correct Answer: Supportive care + donepezil

      Explanation:

      NICE now recommends the three acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) as options for managing mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is reserved for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      19
      Seconds
  • Question 22 - A 17-year-old girl presented with fever, headache and photophobia. Cerebrospinal fluid examination reveals:...

    Incorrect

    • A 17-year-old girl presented with fever, headache and photophobia. Cerebrospinal fluid examination reveals: Opening pressure 260 mm H20 (50-180) Total protein 0.8 g/l (0.15-0.45) Glucose 4.2 mmol/l (3.3-4.4) White cell count 60 per ml (<5) Lymphocytes 90% Plasma glucose 6.4 mmol/l (3.0-6.0) Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Viral encephalitis

      Correct Answer: Viral meningitis

      Explanation:

      Normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose together with lymphocytosis, an increased opening pressure and raised CSF protein are typical of a viral meningitis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      33.2
      Seconds
  • Question 23 - Which of the following peripheral neuropathy inducing clinical diagnoses is predominantly associated with...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following peripheral neuropathy inducing clinical diagnoses is predominantly associated with sensory loss?

      Your Answer: Lead poisoning

      Correct Answer: Uraemia

      Explanation:

      Diseases that cause predominantly sensory loss include diabetes, uraemia, leprosy, alcoholism, vitamin B12 deficiency, and amyloidosis.
      Those that cause predominantly motor loss include Guillain-Barre syndrome, porphyria, lead poisoning, hereditary sensorimotor neuropathies, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and diphtheria.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      20.1
      Seconds
  • Question 24 - A 40 year-old lawyer suffered a road traffic accident. MRI reveals that he...

    Incorrect

    • A 40 year-old lawyer suffered a road traffic accident. MRI reveals that he may have hemisection of the spinal cord. Which of the following findings is most likely to occur?

      Your Answer: Ipsilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation

      Correct Answer: Ipsilateral hyperreflexia

      Explanation:

      Spinal cord hemisection, also known as Brown-Sequard syndrome, is associated with symptoms affecting one spinothalamic and one corticospinal tract. Symptoms include ipsilateral paralysis, loss of vibration and position sense, and hyperreflexia below the level of the lesion. Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation is also seen, usually beginning 2-3 segments below the level of the lesion.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      39.8
      Seconds
  • Question 25 - A 38-year-old female patient is brought into the emergency department with a 5...

    Correct

    • A 38-year-old female patient is brought into the emergency department with a 5 day history of altered personality, and visual and auditory hallucinations. On palpation of the abdomen, a mass is felt in the left iliac fossa. Ultrasound of the abdomen suggests a left ovarian tumour. Her basic observations are as follows: Oxygen saturation 99% on air Heart rate 98 beats/minute Respiratory rate 28 breaths/minute Temperature 37.9 °C What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis

      Explanation:

      The case presents with an underlying ovarian tumour, associated with psychiatric symptoms; thus, an organic illness must first be ruled out before considering the other conditions listed which often present with psychiatric features without an underlying organic disease. Among the listed conditions Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is the only condition that presents with psychiatric features including agitation, hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking that is associated with tumours 50% of the time.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      28.5
      Seconds
  • Question 26 - A 25-year-old athlete presented with a 7-month history of difficulty gripping things. He...

    Incorrect

    • A 25-year-old athlete presented with a 7-month history of difficulty gripping things. He complained of finding it particularly difficult in cold weather. He remembered his father having similar problems. Upon examination, he had a bilateral ptosis with weakness of the facial muscles. He also had difficulty opening his eyes quickly. Limb examination revealed distal weakness in both hands with difficulty opening and closing both hands quickly. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy

      Correct Answer: Myotonic dystrophy

      Explanation:

      Myotonic dystrophy is the most likely diagnosis here.
      It is a multisystem disorder causing cognitive impairment, cataracts, cardiac problems and testicular atrophy, as well as affecting the muscles. Patients have muscle weakness, normally worse distally, and/or myotonia (which is worse in cold weather).
      On examination, patients may also have frontal balding, a myopathic facies, bilateral ptosis, an ophthalmoplegia and wasting of facial muscles and other limb muscles. Myotonic dystrophy is associated with diabetes mellitus and pituitary dysfunction.
      Diagnosis is normally based on clinical features with a characteristic electromyogram (EMG) of myotonic discharges. Creatine kinase is generally normal and muscle biopsy is non-specific.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      40.9
      Seconds
  • Question 27 - During the examination of an elderly confused and non-coherent gentleman who was brought...

    Incorrect

    • During the examination of an elderly confused and non-coherent gentleman who was brought to casualty by a concerned neighbour, you notice that he has bilaterally small pupils, which do not appear to react to light. Under the circumstances, it is difficult to judge their response to accommodation. Which of the following conditions may not account for the pupillary appearance in this patient?

      Your Answer: Opiate analgesia

      Correct Answer: Acute alcohol intoxication

      Explanation:

      Acute alcohol intoxication presents with pupillary dilation, thus, this is ruled out in this patient. All the other listed causes present with small pupils bilaterally.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      31.4
      Seconds
  • Question 28 - A 65-year-old real estate broker presents with a tremor. Which one of the...

    Correct

    • A 65-year-old real estate broker presents with a tremor. Which one of the following features would suggest a diagnosis of essential tremor rather than Parkinson's disease?

      Your Answer: Tremor is worse when the arms are outstretched

      Explanation:

      Difficulty in initiating movement (bradykinesia), postural instability and unilateral symptoms (initially) are typical of Parkinson’s. Essential tremor symptoms are usually worse if arms are outstretched and eased by rest and alcohol.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      11.7
      Seconds
  • Question 29 - A 18-year-old gentleman is referred to dermatology. He has around 10 hyperpigmented macules...

    Incorrect

    • A 18-year-old gentleman is referred to dermatology. He has around 10 hyperpigmented macules on his torso which vary in size from 1.5-5 cm in size. His GP also noted some freckles in the groin region. He is also currently under orthopaedic review due to a worsening scoliosis of the spine. His father suffered from similar problems before having a fatal myocardial infarction two years ago. Which chromosome is most likely to have a gene defect?

      Your Answer: Chromosome 16

      Correct Answer: Chromosome 17

      Explanation:

      The patient’s history and presentation and familial history, meets the diagnostic criteria for Neurofibromatosis type I, presenting with neurofibromas noted in this patient as hyperpigmented macules and freckles, musculoskeletal disorders like the scoliosis in this case, and a familial history. Neurofibromatosis type I is caused by a mutation on Chromosome 17.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      19.7
      Seconds
  • Question 30 - A 22 year-old university graduate presented with progressive unsteadiness during walking over the...

    Correct

    • A 22 year-old university graduate presented with progressive unsteadiness during walking over the last year. She had been otherwise healthy apart from recent difficulty hearing her lecturer in classes. She took no prescription medication but had occasionally taken cocaine during her first year of college. She also admits to drinking up to 30 units of alcohol per week and smoked 10 cigarettes per day. Her parents were both well, but her father's sister had problems with walking before she died. Examination reveals normal tone and power throughout all four limbs. Reflexes were normal in the upper limbs but decreased at the knees and absent at the ankles. Coordination was normal in all four limbs but her gait was ataxic. Sensation in the upper limbs was normal but decreased vibratory sensation and proprioception was noted to the ankles bilaterally. What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Friedreich’s ataxia

      Explanation:

      Friedreich’s ataxia is an autosomal recessive disorder that usually begins before the end of the teens. It has an estimated prevalence in Europe of 1 in 50,000 and life expectancy is around 40–50 years. Neurological features include a progressive ataxia, cerebellar dysarthria, lower limb areflexia, decreased vibratory sensation and proprioception, and pyramidal weakness. Pes cavus and scoliosis are also both seen. Cardiomyopathy occurs in over 70% of cases. Less common features include optic atrophic, diabetes mellitus, and deafness.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      47.3
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Neurology (15/30) 50%
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