Neurology: cerebral palsy types: practice question

A Pediatrics 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

Pediatrics · Neurology: cerebral palsy types

Sample item

A preterm child has stiff legs, scissoring gait and toe walking with normal upper limb function and intellect. Which lesion and type are most likely?

ABasal ganglia injury with ataxiaBCerebellar hypoplasia with hemiplegiaCPeriventricular leukomalacia with spastic diplegiaDKernicterus with athetoid CP

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Periventricular leukomalacia with spastic diplegia

Spastic diplegia is classically associated with prematurity and periventricular leukomalacia, affecting the legs more than arms. Kernicterus causes dyskinetic (athetoid) cerebral palsy with hearing loss and upward gaze palsy. Management is multidisciplinary, with physiotherapy and botulinum toxin for spasticity.

Option by option

A. Basal ganglia injury with ataxia
Ataxic CP involves the cerebellum.
B. Cerebellar hypoplasia with hemiplegia
Cerebellar hypoplasia does not typically produce hemiplegia.
C. Periventricular leukomalacia with spastic diplegia (correct)
Correct. PVL is the substrate for spastic diplegia.
D. Kernicterus with athetoid CP
Kernicterus produces athetoid CP.

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.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Periventricular leukomalacia with spastic diplegia. Spastic diplegia is classically associated with prematurity and periventricular leukomalacia, affecting the legs more than arms.

Why is "Basal ganglia injury with ataxia" not the answer?

Ataxic CP involves the cerebellum.

Why is "Cerebellar hypoplasia with hemiplegia" not the answer?

Cerebellar hypoplasia does not typically produce hemiplegia.

Why is "Kernicterus with athetoid CP" not the answer?

Kernicterus produces athetoid CP.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: cerebral palsy types in Pediatrics. Kernicterus causes dyskinetic (athetoid) cerebral palsy with hearing loss and upward gaze palsy. Management is multidisciplinary, with physiotherapy and botulinum toxin for spasticity.

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 Neurology: cerebral palsy types?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.