Nystagmus: jerk direction: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Nystagmus: jerk direction

Sample item

In jerk nystagmus, how is the direction named?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. By the direction of the fast phase

The fast phase is a corrective saccade, and by convention the nystagmus is named after it. The slow phase is the pathological drift.

Option by option

  • A. By the direction of the fast phase (correct)

    Correct. Naming follows the fast phase.

  • B. By the eye with greater amplitude

    Amplitude does not define direction.

  • C. By the direction of head tilt

    Head tilt is unrelated.

  • D. By the direction of the slow phase

    The slow phase is the abnormal drift, not the naming phase.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is A, By the direction of the fast phase. The fast phase is a corrective saccade, and by convention the nystagmus is named after it.

Why is "By the eye with greater amplitude" not the answer?

Amplitude does not define direction.

Why is "By the direction of head tilt" not the answer?

Head tilt is unrelated.

Why is "By the direction of the slow phase" not the answer?

The slow phase is the abnormal drift, not the naming phase.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nystagmus: jerk direction in Ophthalmology. The slow phase is the pathological drift.

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 Nystagmus: jerk direction?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.