Question Easy:
A 60-year-old man presents with sudden painless loss of vision in his left eye. He describes it as a “curtain falling” over his vision. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Retinal detachment
B) Glaucoma
C) Age-related macular degeneration
D) Cataract
E) Optic neuritis
Question Medium:
A 45-year-old woman reports intermittent vertigo accompanied by tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in her right ear. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Migraine-associated vertigo
B) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
C) Ménière’s disease
D) Acoustic neuroma
E) Labyrinthitis
Question Hard:
A 30-year-old man presents with a ring scotoma and night blindness. Genetic testing reveals a mutation in the RHO gene. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy
B) Retinitis pigmentosa
C) Usher syndrome
D) Stargardt disease
E) Cone-rod dystrophy
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer:
A) Retinal detachment
Question Easy Explanation:
According to NICE guidelines, the description of a “curtain falling” over the vision is classically associated with retinal detachment. This is a key emergent condition that warrants urgent ophthalmological evaluation to prevent permanent vision loss.
Question Medium Answer:
C) Ménière’s disease
Question Medium Explanation:
Ménière’s disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The condition aligns with this patient’s symptoms, as described in NHS guidelines for diagnosing and managing Ménière’s disease.
Question Hard Answer:
B) Retinitis pigmentosa
Question Hard Explanation:
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetic disorders leading to retinal degeneration and is frequently associated with ring scotomas and night blindness. Mutations in the RHO gene are commonly linked to this condition, consistent with BNF guidelines.
Medical fact of the day: The sense of taste primarily involves the perception of five flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Interestingly, genetic variations can impact how individuals perceive these tastes, influencing dietary choices and even health outcomes.
Quote of the day: “In every challenge faced by a healthcare worker, lies the opportunity to transform adversity into a pathway for healing and growth.”