Neurology: myasthenia gravis: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Neurology: myasthenia gravis

Sample item

A patient has fluctuating ptosis and diplopia that worsen late in the day, with normal sensation and pupils. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis causes fatigable weakness from impaired neuromuscular transmission, commonly affecting ocular, bulbar, and proximal muscles. Sensation and autonomic pupillary function are preserved.

Option by option

  • A. Horner syndrome

    Horner syndrome causes ptosis with miosis and anhidrosis.

  • B. Multiple sclerosis

    Multiple sclerosis can cause diplopia but not this characteristic fatigable pattern.

  • C. Bell palsy

    Bell palsy causes a unilateral peripheral facial palsy, not fatigable diplopia.

  • D. Myasthenia gravis (correct)

    Correct. Fluctuating fatigable ocular weakness is a classic presentation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is D, Myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis causes fatigable weakness from impaired neuromuscular transmission, commonly affecting ocular, bulbar, and proximal muscles.

Why is "Horner syndrome" not the answer?

Horner syndrome causes ptosis with miosis and anhidrosis.

Why is "Multiple sclerosis" not the answer?

Multiple sclerosis can cause diplopia but not this characteristic fatigable pattern.

Why is "Bell palsy" not the answer?

Bell palsy causes a unilateral peripheral facial palsy, not fatigable diplopia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: myasthenia gravis in General Medicine. Sensation and autonomic pupillary function are preserved.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurology: myasthenia gravis?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.