Question Easy:
A patient presents with itchy, red eyes and rhinorrhea during the spring season. What is the most likely diagnosis? 🌸
A) Bacterial conjunctivitis
B) Viral conjunctivitis
C) Allergic conjunctivitis
D) Dry eye syndrome
E) Blepharitis
Question Medium:
A 45-year-old woman presents with sudden onset of painless vision loss in one eye. On examination, there is a cherry-red spot on the macula. What is the most likely cause? 👁️
A) Retinal detachment
B) Central retinal artery occlusion
C) Optic neuritis
D) Age-related macular degeneration
E) Vitreous hemorrhage
Question Hard:
A 30-year-old man complains of hearing loss and tinnitus. He is diagnosed with a vestibular schwannoma. Which cranial nerve is most commonly affected by this condition? 📞
A) CN V
B) CN VII
C) CN VIII
D) CN IX
E) CN X
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C) Allergic conjunctivitis
Question Easy Explanation: Allergic conjunctivitis is common in the spring due to pollen exposure and causes symptoms like itchy and red eyes. The presence of rhinorrhea supports this diagnosis, in line with NICE guidelines on seasonal allergic conditions.
Question Medium Answer: B) Central retinal artery occlusion
Question Medium Explanation: The sudden, painless vision loss with a cherry-red spot on the macula is classic for central retinal artery occlusion, a true ophthalmic emergency as per the NHS pathway on acute vision loss.
Question Hard Answer: C) CN VIII
Question Hard Explanation: The vestibular schwannoma, also known as an acoustic neuroma, typically affects the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII), leading to symptoms like hearing loss and tinnitus. It aligns with the BNF’s information on neurological tumors impacting audio-vestibular function.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that the human eye can differentiate approximately 10 million different colours? This fascinating capability is due to the cone cells in the retina, which respond to different wavelengths within the visible spectrum.
Quote of the day: “In the face of adversity, remember that your compassion is your strength. Every patient is a chapter in the story of healing, and you are the author.”