Pharynx and tonsils: Vernet syndrome: 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.

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ENT · Pharynx and tonsils: Vernet syndrome

Sample item

After a basal skull fracture, a man has hoarseness, nasal regurgitation of fluids, an absent gag on the left and weak left sternomastoid and trapezius. Tongue movement is normal and there is no Horner syndrome. Which syndrome is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Vernet syndrome

Vernet syndrome is a lesion at the jugular foramen affecting cranial nerves IX, X and XI. Adding the hypoglossal nerve gives Collet-Sicard, and adding the cervical sympathetic chain as well gives Villaret. Tapia syndrome involves X and XII.

Option by option

  • A. Villaret syndrome

    Villaret syndrome adds the hypoglossal nerve and a Horner syndrome.

  • B. Collet-Sicard syndrome

    Collet-Sicard syndrome also affects the hypoglossal nerve, producing tongue deviation.

  • C. Vernet syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Involvement of IX, X and XI with a normal tongue and no sympathetic signs is Vernet syndrome.

  • D. Tapia syndrome

    Tapia syndrome affects the vagus and hypoglossal nerves without trapezius or sternomastoid weakness.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Vernet syndrome. Vernet syndrome is a lesion at the jugular foramen affecting cranial nerves IX, X and XI.

Why is "Villaret syndrome" not the answer?

Villaret syndrome adds the hypoglossal nerve and a Horner syndrome.

Why is "Collet-Sicard syndrome" not the answer?

Collet-Sicard syndrome also affects the hypoglossal nerve, producing tongue deviation.

Why is "Tapia syndrome" not the answer?

Tapia syndrome affects the vagus and hypoglossal nerves without trapezius or sternomastoid weakness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: Vernet syndrome in ENT. Adding the hypoglossal nerve gives Collet-Sicard, and adding the cervical sympathetic chain as well gives Villaret. Tapia syndrome involves X and XII.

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 Pharynx and tonsils: Vernet syndrome?

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.