Vestibular disorders: downbeat nystagmus: 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 · Vestibular disorders: downbeat nystagmus

Sample item

A 35-year-old has oscillopsia and unsteadiness, and examination shows persistent downbeat nystagmus in primary gaze. Which region should be imaged?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Craniocervical junction

Downbeat nystagmus localises to the cervicomedullary junction or cerebellar flocculus, as in Chiari malformation. Peripheral vestibular lesions do not produce it.

Option by option

  • A. Parotid gland

    The parotid is not related to nystagmus.

  • B. Orbit

    Orbital disease causes proptosis.

  • C. Frontal lobe

    A frontal lesion does not typically cause nystagmus.

  • D. Craniocervical junction (correct)

    Correct. Downbeat nystagmus points to the craniocervical junction.

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 D, Craniocervical junction. Downbeat nystagmus localises to the cervicomedullary junction or cerebellar flocculus, as in Chiari malformation.

Why is "Parotid gland" not the answer?

The parotid is not related to nystagmus.

Why is "Orbit" not the answer?

Orbital disease causes proptosis.

Why is "Frontal lobe" not the answer?

A frontal lesion does not typically cause nystagmus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vestibular disorders: downbeat nystagmus in ENT. Peripheral vestibular lesions do not produce it.

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 disorders: downbeat nystagmus?

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.