Leprosy: lagophthalmos: practice question

A Dermatology 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.

Try it

Dermatology · Leprosy: lagophthalmos

Sample item

A patient cannot close the eye completely and develops corneal exposure. Which nerve branch is damaged?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve

Facial nerve involvement in leprosy affects the temporal and zygomatic branches, causing lagophthalmos from orbicularis oculi weakness. Combined with corneal anaesthesia from trigeminal involvement, it leads to exposure keratitis and blindness.

Option by option

  • A. Oculomotor nerve

    The oculomotor nerve supplies most extraocular muscles and levator palpebrae.

  • B. Temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (correct)

    Correct. Weak orbicularis oculi causes lagophthalmos.

  • C. Mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve

    The mandibular branch supplies mastication.

  • D. Abducens nerve

    The abducens nerve supplies lateral rectus.

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 Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve. Facial nerve involvement in leprosy affects the temporal and zygomatic branches, causing lagophthalmos from orbicularis oculi weakness.

Why is "Oculomotor nerve" not the answer?

The oculomotor nerve supplies most extraocular muscles and levator palpebrae.

Why is "Mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve" not the answer?

The mandibular branch supplies mastication.

Why is "Abducens nerve" not the answer?

The abducens nerve supplies lateral rectus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Leprosy: lagophthalmos in Dermatology. Combined with corneal anaesthesia from trigeminal involvement, it leads to exposure keratitis and blindness.

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 Leprosy: lagophthalmos?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.