Papilloedema: idiopathic intracranial hypertension: 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 · Papilloedema: idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Sample item

An obese young woman has daily headaches, bilateral papilloedema and a normal MRI. What is the first-line drug?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Acetazolamide

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is managed by weight loss and acetazolamide, with shunting or optic nerve sheath fenestration for failing vision. Lumbar puncture confirms raised opening pressure with normal CSF contents.

Option by option

  • A. Mannitol long term

    Mannitol is for acute emergencies, not long-term management.

  • B. Acetazolamide (correct)

    Correct. Acetazolamide reduces CSF production.

  • C. Intravenous steroids

    Steroids are not first line.

  • D. Pilocarpine

    Pilocarpine is a miotic.

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 B, Acetazolamide. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is managed by weight loss and acetazolamide, with shunting or optic nerve sheath fenestration for failing vision.

Why is "Mannitol long term" not the answer?

Mannitol is for acute emergencies, not long-term management.

Why is "Intravenous steroids" not the answer?

Steroids are not first line.

Why is "Pilocarpine" not the answer?

Pilocarpine is a miotic.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papilloedema: idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Ophthalmology. Lumbar puncture confirms raised opening pressure with normal CSF contents.

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 Papilloedema: idiopathic intracranial hypertension?

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.