Neurophysiology: cerebellum: practice question

A Physiology 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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Physiology · Neurophysiology: cerebellum

Sample item

A patient has a tremor that appears only on reaching for an object and worsens as the finger approaches the target, with past-pointing and dysdiadochokinesia on the right side. Where is the lesion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Right cerebellar hemisphere

Cerebellar hemispheric lesions cause ipsilateral intention tremor, dysmetria and dysdiadochokinesia, because the cerebellar pathways cross twice and so control the ipsilateral limbs. Basal ganglia lesions cause rest tremor or hemiballismus instead.

Option by option

  • A. Right cerebellar hemisphere (correct)

    Correct. Cerebellar signs are ipsilateral to the lesion.

  • B. Substantia nigra

    Substantia nigra loss causes a resting tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia.

  • C. Left cerebellar hemisphere

    A left lesion would produce signs on the left side of the body.

  • D. Subthalamic nucleus

    A subthalamic lesion causes contralateral hemiballismus.

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 Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Right cerebellar hemisphere. Cerebellar hemispheric lesions cause ipsilateral intention tremor, dysmetria and dysdiadochokinesia, because the cerebellar pathways cross twice and so control the ipsilateral limbs.

Why is "Substantia nigra" not the answer?

Substantia nigra loss causes a resting tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia.

Why is "Left cerebellar hemisphere" not the answer?

A left lesion would produce signs on the left side of the body.

Why is "Subthalamic nucleus" not the answer?

A subthalamic lesion causes contralateral hemiballismus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology: cerebellum in Physiology. Basal ganglia lesions cause rest tremor or hemiballismus instead.

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 Neurophysiology: cerebellum?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology 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.