Ear and audiology: otitic hydrocephalus: 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 · Ear and audiology: otitic hydrocephalus

Sample item

A child recovering from lateral sinus thrombosis due to chronic ear disease develops headache, vomiting, papilloedema and a sixth nerve palsy. Cerebrospinal fluid pressure is high but the cell count and protein are normal. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Otitic hydrocephalus

Otitic hydrocephalus is raised intracranial pressure with normal CSF composition that follows an ear infection, usually with lateral sinus thrombosis impairing CSF absorption. Papilloedema and abducens palsy occur. It is a diagnosis made by exclusion of meningitis and abscess, and treatment is of the ear disease with measures to lower pressure.

Option by option

  • A. Meningitis

    Meningitis would show abnormal CSF cells and protein, with fever and neck stiffness.

  • B. Subdural empyema

    Subdural empyema produces focal deficits and fever and needs imaging.

  • C. Extradural abscess

    An extradural abscess is often asymptomatic or causes localised deep ear pain.

  • D. Otitic hydrocephalus (correct)

    Correct. High pressure with normal CSF after sinus thrombosis defines otitic hydrocephalus.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Otitic hydrocephalus. Otitic hydrocephalus is raised intracranial pressure with normal CSF composition that follows an ear infection, usually with lateral sinus thrombosis impairing CSF absorption.

Why is "Meningitis" not the answer?

Meningitis would show abnormal CSF cells and protein, with fever and neck stiffness.

Why is "Subdural empyema" not the answer?

Subdural empyema produces focal deficits and fever and needs imaging.

Why is "Extradural abscess" not the answer?

An extradural abscess is often asymptomatic or causes localised deep ear pain.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Ear and audiology: otitic hydrocephalus in ENT. Papilloedema and abducens palsy occur. It is a diagnosis made by exclusion of meningitis and abscess, and treatment is of the ear disease with measures to lower pressure.

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 Ear and audiology: otitic hydrocephalus?

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.