Optic neuropathy: Foster Kennedy syndrome: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Optic neuropathy: Foster Kennedy syndrome

Sample item

A frontal lobe meningioma causes ipsilateral optic atrophy and contralateral papilloedema. What is this called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Foster Kennedy syndrome

In Foster Kennedy syndrome direct pressure atrophies the ipsilateral nerve and raised ICP causes contralateral papilloedema. Classic causes are olfactory groove or sphenoid ridge meningiomas.

Option by option

  • A. Foster Kennedy syndrome (correct)

    Correct. This is the classic description.

  • B. Parinaud syndrome

    Parinaud syndrome is vertical gaze palsy from a pineal lesion.

  • C. Gradenigo syndrome

    Gradenigo syndrome involves the petrous apex with abducens palsy.

  • D. Weber syndrome

    Weber syndrome is a midbrain lesion with ipsilateral third nerve palsy.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is A, Foster Kennedy syndrome. In Foster Kennedy syndrome direct pressure atrophies the ipsilateral nerve and raised ICP causes contralateral papilloedema.

Why is "Parinaud syndrome" not the answer?

Parinaud syndrome is vertical gaze palsy from a pineal lesion.

Why is "Gradenigo syndrome" not the answer?

Gradenigo syndrome involves the petrous apex with abducens palsy.

Why is "Weber syndrome" not the answer?

Weber syndrome is a midbrain lesion with ipsilateral third nerve palsy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Optic neuropathy: Foster Kennedy syndrome in Ophthalmology. Classic causes are olfactory groove or sphenoid ridge meningiomas.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Optic neuropathy: Foster Kennedy syndrome?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.