A 5-year-old child with tuberculous meningitis develops new-onset squint with inability to abduct the right eye. Which cranial nerve is most commonly affected in tuberculous meningitis?

• A Oculomotor nerve (3rd)
• B Trochlear nerve (4th)
• C Facial nerve (7th)
• D Abducens nerve (6th) ✓

Explanation

The abducens nerve (6th cranial nerve) is the most commonly affected cranial nerve in tuberculous meningitis due to its long intracranial course, making it susceptible to inflammatory exudate at the base of the brain and raised intracranial pressure. Facial nerve palsy can also occur but is less common than 6th nerve involvement. Oculomotor and trochlear nerve palsies are less typical.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.