Complications: facial palsy in CSOM: practice question

A ENT 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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ENT · Complications: facial palsy in CSOM

Sample item

In chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma, the facial nerve is most commonly eroded in which segment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Tympanic segment near the oval window

The tympanic (horizontal) segment lies in the medial wall of the middle ear above the oval window and is often dehiscent, so it is most exposed to cholesteatoma erosion. Palsy in CSOM is an indication for urgent mastoid exploration.

Option by option

  • A. Intracranial segment

    The intracranial segment is not related to the middle ear.

  • B. Extratemporal segment

    The extratemporal segment is outside the temporal bone.

  • C. Tympanic segment near the oval window (correct)

    Correct. The tympanic segment near the oval window is the commonest site.

  • D. Labyrinthine segment

    The labyrinthine segment is deep inside the petrous bone.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Tympanic segment near the oval window. The tympanic (horizontal) segment lies in the medial wall of the middle ear above the oval window and is often dehiscent, so it is most exposed to cholesteatoma erosion.

Why is "Intracranial segment" not the answer?

The intracranial segment is not related to the middle ear.

Why is "Extratemporal segment" not the answer?

The extratemporal segment is outside the temporal bone.

Why is "Labyrinthine segment" not the answer?

The labyrinthine segment is deep inside the petrous bone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications: facial palsy in CSOM in ENT. Palsy in CSOM is an indication for urgent mastoid exploration.

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 Complications: facial palsy in CSOM?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT 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.