Question Easy:
An 8-year-old girl presents with redness and itching in her eyes🤧. On examination, her eyes are watery with no discharge. There is a history of similar symptoms during the spring months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Bacterial conjunctivitis
B) Viral conjunctivitis
C) Allergic conjunctivitis
D) Glaucoma
E) Uveitis
Question Medium:
A 45-year-old man presents with sudden onset of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus in his right ear. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of his symptoms?
A) Acoustic neuroma
B) Meniere’s disease
C) Labyrinthitis
D) Otosclerosis
E) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Question Hard:
A 60-year-old diabetic patient presents with vision changes. He reports seeing floaters and “curtains” falling across his visual field. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
A) Retinal detachment
B) Vitreous hemorrhage
C) Cataract
D) Diabetic retinopathy
E) Age-related macular degeneration
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C) Allergic conjunctivitis
Question Easy Explanation: Allergic conjunctivitis is common in children and is often associated with itching, redness, and watering of the eyes. It typically occurs seasonally and in the presence of allergens such as pollen, and lacks the purulent discharge seen in bacterial conjunctivitis. According to NHS guidelines, management includes avoidance of allergens and the use of antihistamine eye drops.
Question Medium Answer: B) Meniere’s disease
Question Medium Explanation: Meniere’s disease is characterised by episodes of vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus, often affecting one ear. NICE guidelines recommend lifestyle changes such as a low-salt diet and medications like betahistine for management. Acoustic neuroma and labyrinthitis can have similar presentations but are less likely given the acute episodic nature of the attack.
Question Hard Answer: A) Retinal detachment
Question Hard Explanation: Retinal detachment is suggested by symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, and a shadow or “curtain” effect over the visual field. It is an ocular emergency that is often seen in older patients and those with a history of diabetes, highlighting the importance of prompt examination and surgical intervention as guided by NHS protocols to prevent permanent vision loss.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that the human ear can detect sound vibrations as small as the width of an atom? This incredible sensitivity allows us to perceive a vast range of sounds, a testament to the complexity of our auditory system.
Quote of the day: “In the tapestry of compassion, every thread of effort by a healthcare worker weaves hope and healing into the lives of those they touch.”