Neurosurgery Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Brain and Nervous System Surgery

Question 1

In stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), what is the main reason for using fiducial markers?

Accepted Answer

To serve as reference points for image-guided SRS, improving targeting accuracy.

Answer

To reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue near the target area during SRS.

Answer

To deliver radiation directly to brain or spine tumors.

Answer

To track how tumors respond to radiation therapy.

Question 2

In a patient with an unruptured cerebral aneurysm, what is the preferred surgical approach for clipping?

Accepted Answer

Pterional approach

Answer

Transorbital approach

Answer

Frontotemporal approach

Answer

Temporoparietal approach

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an indication for surgical intervention in spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Complete spinal cord transection

Answer

Progressive neurological deficit

Answer

Cervical spine instability

Answer

Cauda equina syndrome

Question 4

Which principle is paramount in peripheral nerve surgery?

Accepted Answer

Preservation of nerve fascicle anatomy

Answer

Avoidance of excessive tension

Answer

Use of absorbable sutures

Answer

Maximization of distal blood supply

Question 5

The primary goal of spinal fusion surgery is to:

Accepted Answer

Restore spinal stability

Answer

Alleviate pain

Answer

Correct deformity

Answer

Improve neurologic function

Question 6

The most prevalent cause of trigeminal neuralgia is:

Accepted Answer

Vascular compression

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

Herpes zoster infection

Answer

Tumor

Question 7

What is the main purpose of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in neurosurgery?

Accepted Answer

To monitor neural function and reduce the risk of neurological damage during surgery

Answer

To plan surgical procedures before surgery

Answer

To provide a definitive diagnosis of neurological conditions

Answer

To predict long-term outcomes of neurosurgical procedures

Question 8

Endoscopic neurosurgery provides several advantages over traditional open surgery. Which of the following is a key benefit of endoscopic neurosurgery?

Accepted Answer

Reduced pain

Accepted Answer

Shorter hospital stays

Answer

Higher risk of complications

Answer

Longer operating times

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a commonly performed neurosurgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Kidney transplant

Answer

Brain tumor resection

Answer

Aneurysm repair

Answer

Hydrocephalus management

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of a spinal fusion surgery?

Accepted Answer

To stabilize the spinal column and prevent further damage

Answer

To alleviate pain caused by nerve compression

Answer

To restore lost nerve function

Answer

To replace damaged spinal discs

Question 11

Which imaging technique is most frequently used to visualize the brain and spinal cord for neurosurgical planning?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT)

Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Answer

X-ray

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a type of peripheral nerve injury classification?

Accepted Answer

Myelinopathy

Answer

Neuropraxia

Answer

Axonotmesis

Answer

Neurotmesis

Question 13

In neurosurgery, why is it crucial to obtain informed consent?

Accepted Answer

To ensure patients fully comprehend the potential risks and benefits.

Answer

To shield surgeons from legal consequences.

Answer

To expedite the surgery and avoid delays.

Question 14

What is the most common type of primary brain tumor?

Accepted Answer

Glioma

Answer

Meningioma

Answer

Medulloblastoma

Answer

Astrocytoma

Question 15

Which of the following is a surgical technique used to treat a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Laminectomy

Answer

Vertebroplasty

Answer

Kyphoplasty

Answer

Craniotomy

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of a herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

Fever

Answer

Pain

Answer

Numbness or tingling

Answer

Weakness

Question 17

What is the purpose of a myelogram?

Accepted Answer

To visualize the spinal cord and nerve roots using contrast dye

Answer

To identify spinal tumors

Answer

To diagnose disc herniations

Answer

To assess blood flow to the brain

Question 18

Which surgical approach is commonly employed to access deep-seated brain tumors within the skull?

Accepted Answer

Transcranial approach

Answer

Transsphenoidal approach

Answer

Submandibular approach

Answer

Retroperitoneal approach

Question 19

What is the primary objective of a craniotomy?

Accepted Answer

To provide direct access to the brain for surgical intervention

Answer

To access the spinal cord

Answer

To obtain a tissue sample for biopsy

Answer

To alleviate intracranial pressure

Question 20

Which type of aneurysm is characterized by a sac-like protrusion from a weakened arterial wall?

Accepted Answer

Saccular aneurysm

Answer

Fusiform aneurysm

Answer

Dissecting aneurysm

Answer

Giant aneurysm

Question 21

Which diagnostic imaging modality is primarily utilized to visualize the spinal cord and its surrounding structures?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of performing a spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

To stabilize and immobilize vertebrae

Answer

To decompress nerve roots

Answer

To repair a spinal cord injury

Answer

To provide access to the spinal cord

Question 23

Which surgical technique is primarily employed to remove a herniated intervertebral disc?

Accepted Answer

Microdiscectomy

Answer

Laminectomy

Answer

Spinal decompression

Answer

Vertebroplasty

Question 24

Which ethical principle is of particular relevance in neurosurgery due to the potential for irreversible neurological damage?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 25

What is the primary role of a neurosurgeon?

Accepted Answer

To diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system through surgical intervention

Answer

To conduct research in the field of neuroscience

Answer

To provide medical management of neurological conditions

Question 26

In modern neurosurgery, how does intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) contribute to surgical outcomes? Discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

Accepted Answer

Enhances surgical accuracy, minimizing complications.

Answer

Eliminates the need for additional imaging after surgery.

Answer

Exposes patients to excessive radiation.

Question 27

What type of brain tumor originates from glial cells, the supporting cells of the central nervous system, and is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation?

Accepted Answer

Glioma

Answer

Meningioma

Answer

Acoustic neuroma

Answer

Pituitary adenoma

Question 28

In the context of intracranial aneurysm repair, which technique involves inserting a tiny coil into the aneurysm to induce clotting and prevent rupture?

Accepted Answer

Coiling

Answer

Trapping

Answer

Clipping

Answer

Stenting

Question 29

During spinal cord injury, what is the primary goal of surgical decompression, a procedure that involves removing pressure from the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

To restore neurological function by alleviating compression on the spinal cord

Answer

To stabilize the spinal column and prevent further damage

Answer

To promote nerve regeneration and tissue repair

Answer

To excise damaged nerve tissue and remove necrotic material

Question 30

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a surgical technique for spinal fusion that utilizes what type of fixation device?

Accepted Answer

Pedicle screws

Answer

Laminar hooks

Answer

Transverse connectors

Answer

Intervertebral spacers

Question 31

During spine surgery, somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are primarily used for what purpose?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring the functional integrity of neural pathways involved in sensory perception

Answer

Measuring blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries

Answer

Recording electrical activity of the brain during surgery

Answer

Assessing muscle activity associated with nerve function

Question 32

The primary indication for placing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is to treat which condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain's ventricles?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocephalus

Answer

Spina bifida

Answer

Meningitis

Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Question 33

What is the main objective of stereotactic radiosurgery, a specialized form of radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

To deliver highly focused radiation precisely to a targeted area within the brain, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues

Answer

To enhance visualization of brain structures for surgical planning

Answer

To perform minimally invasive procedures without open surgery

Question 34

Which type of aneurysm is most frequently associated with rupture?

Accepted Answer

Saccular aneurysm

Answer

Fusiform aneurysm

Answer

Giant aneurysm

Answer

Dissecting aneurysm

Question 35

What surgical technique is commonly used to address a herniated intervertebral disc?

Accepted Answer

Discectomy

Answer

Vertebroplasty

Answer

Spinal fusion

Answer

Laminectomy

Question 36

Which of the following is a common complication that can arise after a lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Headache

Answer

Infection

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Seizure

Question 37

Which imaging modality provides the most detailed anatomical view of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT)

Answer

X-ray

Answer

Ultrasound

Question 38

What is the name of the protective membrane layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Meninges

Answer

Dura mater

Answer

Pia mater

Question 39

Which surgical procedure is typically performed to stabilize a fractured spine?

Accepted Answer

Spinal fusion

Answer

Laminectomy

Answer

Discectomy

Question 40

What is the term used to describe a buildup of fluid within the brain?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocephalus

Answer

Hygroma

Answer

Abscess

Answer

Edema

Question 41

A patient presents with a large, rapidly growing intracranial tumor. Which surgical approach is most likely to be used for tumor resection?

Accepted Answer

Craniotomy

Answer

Gamma knife surgery

Answer

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Answer

Endoscopic surgery

Question 42

A 55-year-old patient presents with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. What is the primary surgical objective in this case?

Accepted Answer

Secure the aneurysm to prevent re-rupture.

Answer

Remove the aneurysm completely.

Answer

Improve blood flow to the brain.

Answer

Reduce intracranial pressure.

Question 43

During a spinal fusion procedure, what is the main purpose of bone graft material?

Accepted Answer

To promote bony fusion between vertebral segments.

Answer

To provide immediate stability to the spine.

Answer

To reduce inflammation around the fusion site.

Answer

To relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Question 44

Which of the following is a potential complication associated with craniotomy?

Accepted Answer

Cerebrospinal fluid leak

Answer

Peripheral nerve injury

Answer

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 45

A patient with a history of epilepsy undergoes surgery for temporal lobe resection. What is the main goal of this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Reduce seizure frequency and severity.

Answer

Improve cognitive function.

Answer

Increase blood flow to the brain.

Answer

Reduce intracranial pressure.

Question 46

Which imaging modality is most commonly used to visualize the brain and spinal cord during neurosurgical procedures?

Accepted Answer

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

X-ray

Question 47

A patient with a spinal cord injury is undergoing a laminectomy to decompress the spinal cord. What is the primary surgical goal in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Answer

Reduce inflammation.

Answer

Stabilize the spine.

Answer

Repair the injured spinal cord.

Question 48

Which surgical approach is typically used to access the posterior fossa of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Posterior fossa craniotomy

Answer

Transnasal approach

Answer

Endoscopic approach

Answer

Transcranial approach

Question 49

During a neurosurgical procedure, what is the primary function of the neurosurgeon's microscope?

Accepted Answer

To magnify the surgical field and improve visualization.

Answer

To monitor vital signs.

Answer

To guide the surgical instruments.

Question 50

In adults, which type of brain tumor is most commonly encountered?

Accepted Answer

Glioma

Answer

Medulloblastoma

Answer

Pituitary adenoma

Answer

Meningioma

Question 51

What is the primary surgical objective for an unruptured cerebral aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Prevent future rupture and hemorrhage

Answer

Reduce neurological deficits

Answer

Relieve intracranial pressure

Answer

Improve cognitive function

Question 52

Which of the following is NOT a standard surgical approach to the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Anterior transperitoneal approach

Answer

Anterolateral approach

Answer

Posterior midline approach

Answer

Lateral approach

Question 53

What surgical procedure is specifically designed to remove a herniated intervertebral disc?

Accepted Answer

Discectomy

Answer

Vertebroplasty

Answer

Corpectomy

Answer

Laminectomy

Question 54

Which factor is recognized as a risk for developing a spinal cord tumor?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Obesity

Answer

Smoking

Question 55

What is the main function of a shunt in the surgical treatment of hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

To drain excess cerebrospinal fluid

Answer

To prevent infection

Answer

To improve neurological function

Answer

To reduce intracranial pressure

Question 56

What is the most common cause of peripheral nerve injury?

Accepted Answer

Trauma

Answer

Metabolic disorders

Answer

Autoimmune conditions

Answer

Infection

Question 57

What is the primary goal of microsurgical tumor resection?

Accepted Answer

To remove as much tumor as possible while minimizing neurological damage

Answer

To reduce inflammation

Answer

To prevent recurrence