Regional anaesthesia: scalp block: practice question

A Anaesthesia 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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Anaesthesia · Regional anaesthesia: scalp block

Sample item

A scalp block for an awake craniotomy includes which of the following nerves?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Greater occipital nerve

The scalp block targets the supraorbital, supratrochlear, zygomaticotemporal, auriculotemporal, lesser occipital and greater occipital nerves. These cover the sensory supply of the scalp and are blocked at the sites where they emerge. Cranial nerves such as the facial, glossopharyngeal and vagus are not involved.

Option by option

  • A. Greater occipital nerve (correct)

    Correct. The greater occipital nerve supplies the posterior scalp.

  • B. Vagus nerve

    The vagus nerve has no role in scalp sensation.

  • C. Facial nerve

    The facial nerve is mainly motor to the face.

  • D. Glossopharyngeal nerve

    The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the pharynx.

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 Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is A, Greater occipital nerve. The scalp block targets the supraorbital, supratrochlear, zygomaticotemporal, auriculotemporal, lesser occipital and greater occipital nerves.

Why is "Vagus nerve" not the answer?

The vagus nerve has no role in scalp sensation.

Why is "Facial nerve" not the answer?

The facial nerve is mainly motor to the face.

Why is "Glossopharyngeal nerve" not the answer?

The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the pharynx.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Regional anaesthesia: scalp block in Anaesthesia. These cover the sensory supply of the scalp and are blocked at the sites where they emerge. Cranial nerves such as the facial, glossopharyngeal and vagus are not involved.

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 Regional anaesthesia: scalp block?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia 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.