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Internuclear ophthalmoplegia — SCE Neurology MCQ

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HardNeuro-ophthalmologyInternuclear ophthalmoplegiaSCE Neurology

Which brainstem tract carries internuclear fibres from the abducens nucleus to the contralateral oculomotor medial-rectus subnucleus?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: DThe medial longitudinal fasciculus

The best answer is “The medial longitudinal fasciculus”. The medial longitudinal fasciculus synchronises horizontal gaze by linking abducens internuclear neurons to the contralateral medial-rectus subnucleus; damage produces internuclear ophthalmoplegia. The alternatives “The optic tract”, “The superior cerebellar peduncle”, “The corticobulbar tract”, “The dorsal longitudinal fasciculus” are clinically adjacent possibilities, but they do not match the defining chronology, localisation, physiology, investigation result or UK management sequence in this stem.

Reference: NICE NG220 multiple sclerosis recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng220/chapter/Recommendations