Question Easy: 🦻 A 32-year-old woman visits her GP with a sudden onset of dizziness, tinnitus, and sensation of ear fullness. She also reports hearing loss in her right ear. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Acoustic neuroma
B) Bacterial labyrinthitis
C) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
D) Ménière’s disease
E) Otosclerosis
Question Medium: 👁️ A 68-year-old man presents with gradual worsening of vision in his right eye. On examination, he has a greyish-white opacification of the lens. What is the most appropriate management option for this condition?
A) Topical corticosteroids
B) Laser surgery
C) Surgical removal of the lens with implantation of an intraocular lens
D) Topical antibiotic drops
E) Observation and yearly follow-up
Question Hard: 🧠 A 55-year-old woman who has a history of multiple sclerosis (MS) presents with a painful left eye and a sudden loss of vision. Her visual acuity is reduced, and there is an afferent pupillary defect. What condition is she likely experiencing?
A) Acute angle-closure glaucoma
B) Anterior uveitis
C) Central retinal artery occlusion
D) Optic neuritis
E) Retinal detachment
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: D) Ménière’s disease
Question Easy Explanation: The combination of dizziness, tinnitus, ear fullness, and hearing loss is characteristic of Ménière’s disease. According to NICE guidelines, this condition is due to fluid imbalance in the inner ear.
Question Medium Answer: C) Surgical removal of the lens with implantation of an intraocular lens
Question Medium Explanation: The description indicates a cataract, which is managed by surgically replacing the clouded lens with an artificial intraocular lens. This is in line with NHS recommendations for cataract treatment.
Question Hard Answer: D) Optic neuritis
Question Hard Explanation: In patients with multiple sclerosis, sudden painful loss of vision accompanied by an afferent pupillary defect is indicative of optic neuritis. NICE guidelines detail this relationship, particularly in the context of MS.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that tinnitus affects approximately 10% of the UK population? It’s one of the most common auditory symptoms and can significantly impact quality of life.
Quote of the day: “In the realm of care, every heartbeats echo resilience, reminding us that the smallest act of kindness can leave the largest imprint.”