MCQ IN MEDICINE

Detailed explanation-1: -Along with altered mental status and coma, a fixed and dilated pupil is often the sign of transtentorial brain herniation caused by a space-occupying intracranial lesion and is generally associated with a higher likelihood of a poor outcome.

Detailed explanation-2: -Abstract. Objective: Acute pupillary dilation in a head-injured patient is a neurological emergency. Pupil dilation is thought to be the result of uncal herniation causing mechanical compression of the IIIrd cranial nerve and subsequent brain stem compromise.

Detailed explanation-3: -Bilateral fixed and dilated pupils (BFDPs) in the. severely head injured patient are an ominous sign. suggestive of a significant brainstem herniation and. injury.

Detailed explanation-4: -Central nervous system involvement in syphilis, diabetes mellitus, brain stem encephalitis, pinealomas and multiple sclerosis can cause fixed dilated pupils, as can trauma due to brain injury or local damage of the ciliary nerves.