Neuroradiology: 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 · Neuroradiology

Sample item

Which CT finding is an early warning sign of raised intracranial pressure?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Effacement of basal cisterns

Effacement of basal cisterns can reflect mass effect and rising intracranial pressure, requiring urgent clinical and radiological assessment.

Option by option

  • A. Symmetric aerated mastoid cells

    Aerated mastoids do not indicate intracranial pressure.

  • B. A calcified pineal gland

    Pineal calcification is often an incidental normal variant.

  • C. An intact nasal septum

    Nasal septal appearance is not a pressure marker.

  • D. Effacement of basal cisterns (correct)

    Correct: compressed cisterns signal reduced intracranial reserve.

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 D, Effacement of basal cisterns. Effacement of basal cisterns can reflect mass effect and rising intracranial pressure, requiring urgent clinical and radiological assessment.

Why is "Symmetric aerated mastoid cells" not the answer?

Aerated mastoids do not indicate intracranial pressure.

Why is "A calcified pineal gland" not the answer?

Pineal calcification is often an incidental normal variant.

Why is "An intact nasal septum" not the answer?

Nasal septal appearance is not a pressure marker.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroradiology in Radiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: compressed cisterns signal reduced intracranial reserve.

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 Neuroradiology?

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.