Facial nerve: practice question

A ENT 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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ENT · Facial nerve

Sample item

Which examination finding favors a lower motor neuron facial palsy over a central facial weakness?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Inability to wrinkle the forehead on the affected side

A lower motor neuron facial palsy affects the entire ipsilateral face, including forehead wrinkling and eye closure, whereas a central lesion often spares the forehead because of bilateral cortical innervation.

Option by option

  • A. Normal eyelid closure with dysarthria only

    Normal eye closure does not support complete peripheral facial palsy.

  • B. Bilateral normal facial movement

    Normal bilateral movement does not indicate facial palsy.

  • C. Inability to wrinkle the forehead on the affected side (correct)

    Correct: forehead weakness supports a peripheral lower motor neuron facial palsy.

  • D. Isolated lower-face droop with preserved forehead

    Forehead sparing is more typical of a central facial weakness.

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.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Inability to wrinkle the forehead on the affected side. A lower motor neuron facial palsy affects the entire ipsilateral face, including forehead wrinkling and eye closure, whereas a central lesion often spares the forehead because of bilateral cortical innervation.

Why is "Normal eyelid closure with dysarthria only" not the answer?

Normal eye closure does not support complete peripheral facial palsy.

Why is "Bilateral normal facial movement" not the answer?

Normal bilateral movement does not indicate facial palsy.

Why is "Isolated lower-face droop with preserved forehead" not the answer?

Forehead sparing is more typical of a central facial weakness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Facial nerve in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: forehead weakness supports a peripheral lower motor neuron facial palsy.

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 Facial nerve?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT 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.