Vestibular schwannoma: cranial nerve sign: 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.

Try it

ENT · Vestibular schwannoma: cranial nerve sign

Sample item

In a growing cerebellopontine angle schwannoma, which cranial nerve is usually affected first after the eighth nerve?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Trigeminal nerve (corneal reflex)

The trigeminal nerve is the first neighbouring nerve to show involvement, with reduced corneal sensation or reflex, as the tumour enlarges. The facial nerve is surprisingly resistant. Brainstem compression and hydrocephalus occur late.

Option by option

  • A. Hypoglossal nerve

    The hypoglossal nerve is not in the angle.

  • B. Trigeminal nerve (corneal reflex) (correct)

    Correct. Corneal reflex loss from trigeminal involvement comes early.

  • C. Facial nerve

    The facial nerve is often spared until late.

  • D. Abducens nerve

    Abducens palsy is a late false-localising sign.

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 B, Trigeminal nerve (corneal reflex). The trigeminal nerve is the first neighbouring nerve to show involvement, with reduced corneal sensation or reflex, as the tumour enlarges.

Why is "Hypoglossal nerve" not the answer?

The hypoglossal nerve is not in the angle.

Why is "Facial nerve" not the answer?

The facial nerve is often spared until late.

Why is "Abducens nerve" not the answer?

Abducens palsy is a late false-localising sign.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vestibular schwannoma: cranial nerve sign in ENT. The facial nerve is surprisingly resistant. Brainstem compression and hydrocephalus occur late.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Vestibular schwannoma: cranial nerve sign?

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.