Cranial nerves: Gradenigo 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 · Cranial nerves: Gradenigo syndrome

Sample item

A patient with otitis media has facial pain and a sixth nerve palsy. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Gradenigo syndrome from petrous apicitis

Gradenigo syndrome is the triad of otorrhoea, retro-orbital trigeminal pain and abducens palsy from petrous apex inflammation. The abducens nerve passes through Dorello's canal near the apex.

Option by option

  • A. Weber syndrome

    Weber syndrome is a midbrain lesion.

  • B. Tolosa-Hunt syndrome

    Tolosa-Hunt is painful ophthalmoplegia from cavernous sinus inflammation.

  • C. Millard-Gubler syndrome

    Millard-Gubler is a pontine lesion with abducens and facial palsy.

  • D. Gradenigo syndrome from petrous apicitis (correct)

    Correct. Petrous apicitis involves CN V and VI.

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 D, Gradenigo syndrome from petrous apicitis. Gradenigo syndrome is the triad of otorrhoea, retro-orbital trigeminal pain and abducens palsy from petrous apex inflammation.

Why is "Weber syndrome" not the answer?

Weber syndrome is a midbrain lesion.

Why is "Tolosa-Hunt syndrome" not the answer?

Tolosa-Hunt is painful ophthalmoplegia from cavernous sinus inflammation.

Why is "Millard-Gubler syndrome" not the answer?

Millard-Gubler is a pontine lesion with abducens and facial palsy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cranial nerves: Gradenigo syndrome in Ophthalmology. The abducens nerve passes through Dorello's canal near the apex.

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 Cranial nerves: Gradenigo 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.