Question Easy: 👁️ A 24-year-old woman presents to her GP with itchy, red, and watery eyes. She also has a runny nose and sneezing, especially when she spends time outdoors during spring 🌸. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Conjunctivitis B) Allergic rhinitis C) Blepharitis D) Dry eye syndrome E) Keratitis
Question Medium: 📊 A 67-year-old man presents to the ophthalmologist with gradual loss of peripheral vision. On examination, increased cupping of the optic disc is noted. The intraocular pressure is significantly elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Age-related macular degeneration B) Cataract C) Primary open-angle glaucoma D) Retinal detachment E) Diabetic retinopathy
Question Hard: 🔍 A 35-year-old woman reports sudden bilateral hearing loss and episodes of vertigo that last several minutes. She also experiences tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in her ears. MRI shows no structural abnormalities. Which condition is most consistent with these findings?
A) Meniere’s disease B) Acoustic neuroma C) Labyrinthitis D) Otosclerosis E) Presbycusis
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: B) Allergic rhinitis Explanation: This patient exhibits classic symptoms of allergic rhinitis, frequently associated with allergens like pollen, especially during spring. NICE guidelines recommend considering the seasonality and associated symptoms to differentiate from other conditions such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis. Management often involves antihistamines and avoiding allergens.
Question Medium Answer: C) Primary open-angle glaucoma Explanation: The gradual loss of peripheral vision, coupled with increased intraocular pressure and optic disc cupping, points to primary open-angle glaucoma. NICE guidelines emphasize regular monitoring of intraocular pressure and visual field assessment for diagnosis and management, often with medications such as prostaglandin analogs to reduce pressure.
Question Hard Answer: A) Meniere’s disease Explanation: The triad of symptoms including episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss suggests Meniere’s disease. According to NICE, diagnosis is largely clinical, supported by symptomatology, and involves treatments such as lifestyle modifications and possibly betahistine to manage symptoms and reduce attacks.
Medical fact of the day: The human retina can detect light from a single photon, demonstrating the incredible sensitivity of our visual system. This fact is fundamental to understanding visual perception and guides research into conditions like retinal degeneration.
Quote of the day: “In the gentle flow of care, we touch lives and leave whispers of healing, stronger than the loudest echoes of despair.” 🌟