Neuroimaging: basilar artery occlusion: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Neuroimaging: basilar artery occlusion

Sample item

A man has sudden vertigo, diplopia and decreasing consciousness. CT shows a hyperdense basilar artery. What is the best next imaging step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. CT angiography of the head and neck

A hyperdense basilar artery sign suggests acute thrombosis, which has a high mortality. CT angiography confirms the occlusion and guides thrombectomy within the available time window.

Option by option

  • A. Skull radiograph

    A skull film does not assess vessels.

  • B. Carotid ultrasound only

    Carotid ultrasound does not image the vertebrobasilar system adequately.

  • C. CT angiography of the head and neck (correct)

    Correct. CTA confirms the occlusion and guides intervention.

  • D. Electroencephalography

    EEG does not diagnose vascular occlusion.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, CT angiography of the head and neck. A hyperdense basilar artery sign suggests acute thrombosis, which has a high mortality.

Why is "Skull radiograph" not the answer?

A skull film does not assess vessels.

Why is "Carotid ultrasound only" not the answer?

Carotid ultrasound does not image the vertebrobasilar system adequately.

Why is "Electroencephalography" not the answer?

EEG does not diagnose vascular occlusion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: basilar artery occlusion in Radiology. CT angiography confirms the occlusion and guides thrombectomy within the available time window.

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 Neuroimaging: basilar artery occlusion?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.