Question Easy:
A 24-year-old man presents with itchy, watery eyes and sneezing during spring 🌸. He has a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis. What is the most appropriate first-line treatment for this condition?
A) Oral antibiotics
B) Topical corticosteroids
C) Oral antihistamines
D) Bronchodilators
E) Decongestants
Question Medium:
A 50-year-old woman presents with sudden loss of vision in her right eye. She describes it as a “curtain” falling over her vision. There is no pain. She has a history of poorly controlled hypertension. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Retinal detachment
B) Optic neuritis
C) Central retinal artery occlusion
D) Acute angle-closure glaucoma
E) Vitreous hemorrhage
Question Hard:
A 60-year-old man presents with progressive hearing loss 👂 and tinnitus in one ear. He also reports imbalance and mild facial numbness on the same side. Examination reveals a unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. What is the most likely underlying cause?
A) Meniere’s disease
B) Acoustic neuroma
C) Otosclerosis
D) Labyrinthitis
E) Vestibular neuritis
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C) Oral antihistamines
Question Easy Explanation: Oral antihistamines are a first-line treatment for managing the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as itchy and watery eyes, and sneezing, as per NICE guidelines. They are effective in reducing histamine-mediated allergic symptoms.
Question Medium Answer: A) Retinal detachment
Question Medium Explanation: The symptoms described, such as a “curtain” falling over the vision without pain and a history of hypertension, are classic for retinal detachment. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent permanent vision loss.
Question Hard Answer: B) Acoustic neuroma
Question Hard Explanation: This presentation is suggestive of an acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), which often causes unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disturbances. Facial numbness indicates involvement of the trigeminal nerve due to tumor expansion.
Medical fact of the day: The human sense of smell is capable of distinguishing over a trillion different scents, according to recent scientific estimates. This plays a significant role in flavor perception and even emotion, as olfactory nerves are directly connected to the limbic system.
Quote of the day: “In healing others, you heal yourself. Your compassion is the most powerful tool in your practice.” 🌟