Neurology: neonatal hydrocephalus: practice question

A Pediatrics 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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Pediatrics · Neurology: neonatal hydrocephalus

Sample item

A 3-month-old has rapidly increasing head circumference, bulging fontanelle and sunset sign. What is the most common definitive treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Hydrocephalus in infants is treated by CSF diversion, most commonly a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, or endoscopic third ventriculostomy in selected obstructive cases. Shunt complications include infection and blockage. Drugs such as acetazolamide are temporising.

Option by option

  • A. Skull bone removal

    Bone removal does not drain CSF.

  • B. Acetazolamide long term

    Long-term acetazolamide is not adequate.

  • C. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (correct)

    Correct. A VP shunt diverts CSF.

  • D. Lumbar puncture repeated daily

    Daily LP is not definitive.

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 Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Hydrocephalus in infants is treated by CSF diversion, most commonly a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, or endoscopic third ventriculostomy in selected obstructive cases.

Why is "Skull bone removal" not the answer?

Bone removal does not drain CSF.

Why is "Acetazolamide long term" not the answer?

Long-term acetazolamide is not adequate.

Why is "Lumbar puncture repeated daily" not the answer?

Daily LP is not definitive.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: neonatal hydrocephalus in Pediatrics. Shunt complications include infection and blockage. Drugs such as acetazolamide are temporising.

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: neonatal hydrocephalus?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.