Question 1

What is the most common cause of chronic meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of chronic meningitis.

Question 2

Which of the following pathologic conditions would demonstrate as a decrease in tissue density on CT images of the CNS?
1)Cerebral infarctions
2)Cerebral calcifications
3)CNS cysts

Accepted Answer

Cerebral infarctions and CNS cysts would demonstrate as a decrease in tissue density on CT images of the CNS, while cerebral calcifications would appear as areas of increased density. Therefore, choices 1 and 3 are incorrect, leaving only choice B as the correct answer.

Question 3

What imaging modality is most commonly used to image the brain of neonates?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound is the most commonly used imaging modality to image the brain of neonates due to its safety and ability to be performed at the bedside without sedation. CT and conventional radiography involve ionizing radiation, which is a concern in newborns due to their increased sensitivity to radiation. MRI poses challenges in terms of the need for the neonate to remain still and the potential need for sedation or anesthesia.

Question 4

Spheres, coils, or beads are used to embolize or occlude cerebral vasculature, as in the case of an aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

Accepted Answer

Spheres, coils, or beads are commonly used as embolic agents for neurovascular interventions such as embolization or occlusion of cerebral vasculature in cases of an aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM). These agents are designed to cause vascular occlusion or thrombosis, ultimately leading to the closure of the targeted blood vessels.

Question 5

A ventricular shunt is placed between the ventricles and the _____ to drain excess CSF in patients diagnosed with hydrocephalus.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A ventricular shunt is placed between the...

Question 6

Meningiomas are fed by the meningeal arteries, often enabling demonstration of an enlarged foramen spinosum and increased meningeal vascular markings on

Accepted Answer

Skull radiography can show an enlarged foramen spinosum and increased meningeal vascular markings due to the feeding meningeal arteries in meningiomas.

Question 7

In children, brain tumors often tend to occur in the

Accepted Answer

Brain tumors in children occur most frequently in the posterior fossa, which includes the cerebellum and brainstem. This is in contrast to adults, where brain tumors are more commonly found in the cerebral hemispheres, including the frontal and temporal lobes.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT one of three tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath?

Accepted Answer

Pituitary adenoma is not a tumor that arises from the peripheral nerve sheath. It arises from the pituitary gland, which is located within the central nervous system. The other three answer choices (Acoustic neuroma, Acoustic neurilemma, and Schwannoma) are all tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath.

Question 9

Which of the following structures is NOT considered part of the brainstem?

Accepted Answer

The diencephalon is not considered part of the brainstem. It is located above the brainstem and includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. The brainstem includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Question 10

Which of the following is the modality of choice for detecting cerebrovascular hemorrhage following acute head trauma?

Accepted Answer

Computed tomography is the modality of choice for detecting cerebrovascular hemorrhage following acute head trauma due to its ability to quickly and accurately detect the presence of blood in the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging may also be used, but it is more time-consuming and less widely available. Nuclear medicine and sonography are not typically used for this purpose.

Question 11

What are the determining factors of a patient's prognosis when diagnosed with metastatic brain disease?
1)Age of the individual
2)Number of metastatic lesions present
3)Primary type of malignant disease

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the determining factors of a...

Question 12

The most common location for herniated disks in the lower back are

Accepted Answer

The answer of The most common location for herniated disks...

Question 13

Noncontrast brain CT scans are most commonly used to diagnose patients with stroke-like symptoms because of their

Accepted Answer

Noncontrast brain CT scans are widely available and have a high sensitivity to hemorrhagic strokes, making them a common initial diagnostic tool for patients with stroke-like symptoms. They are less sensitive to ischemic strokes, especially in the early stages.

Question 14

Vertebral disks are covered by a tough outer covering called the nucleus pulposus.

Accepted Answer

Vertebral disks are actually covered by a tough outer covering called the annulus fibrosus, while the nucleus pulposus is a gel-like material inside the disk.

Question 15

Antibiotics are often successful against many forms of meningitis, though antibiotic therapy is never given before a definite diagnosis has been established.

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are often administered as soon as bacterial meningitis is suspected, even before the diagnosis is confirmed, due to the urgency and potential severity of the condition.

Question 16

Which of the following brain neoplasm is associated with the highest survival rate?

Accepted Answer

Low grade astrocytomas have the highest survival rates among the given options, with a 5-year survival rate of around 80%. High grade astrocytomas and glioblastomas have lower survival rates, with the latter being the most aggressive and having a median survival of only 15 months.

Question 17

Which of the following advanced MR imaging techniques is not useful in supporting a diagnosis of MS?

Accepted Answer

While functional imaging (fMRI) is used to assess brain function, it is not typically used in supporting a diagnosis of MS. The other advanced MR imaging techniques listed (diffusion imaging, perfusion imaging, and magnetization transfer) are often used to provide additional information and support a diagnosis of MS.

Question 18

Which of the following neurologic deficits are associated with a meningomyelocele?
1)Diminished control of the urinary bladder
2)Diminished control of the bowel
3)Diminished control of the lower extremities

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following neurologic deficits are...

Question 19

Distinguishing clinical features of astrocytomas include

Accepted Answer

The distinguishing clinical feature of astrocytomas is their infiltrative nature, meaning they can spread into neighboring tissues and are difficult to fully remove via surgery. While some astrocytomas may grow quickly or be highly malignant, these factors are not unique to astrocytomas and thus do not serve as distinguishing features.

Question 20

What is the most common form of dementia affecting individuals under the age of 65 years?

Accepted Answer

Frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of dementia affecting individuals under the age of 65 years. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common form overall, it typically affects individuals over the age of 65. Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia can also occur at a younger age, but are less common than frontotemporal dementia in this age group.

Quiz 8: Central Nervous System