APEA Neurology Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which cranial nerve provides the afferent limb of the corneal reflex?
• During this type of seizure activity, the patient loses consciousness suddenly, sometimes with a cry, and the body stiffens into tonic extensor rigidity. Breathing stops, and the person becomes cyanotic. A clonic phase of rhythmic muscular contraction follows. This type of seizure activity is referred to as the:
• Involuntary rhythmic, repetitive movements mainly involving the face, mouth, jaw, and tongue are known as?
• Which aphasia features articulation that is good but sentences lack meaning?
• Which symptom is listed among the migraine features in the described criteria?
• Taste sensation on the posterior one-third of the tongue is mediated by which cranial nerve?
• On MRI, what imaging finding is most diagnostic of an acute ischemic stroke?
• Which vitamin deficiency is responsible for subacute combined degeneration affecting dorsal columns and lateral corticospinal tracts?
• Loss of conjugate movement when looking to the left in the six cardinal directions of gaze suggests damage to which cranial nerve?
• How is an acute dystonic reaction treated?
• Which aphasia is characterized by confluent, slow speech with few words and effortful articulation, while words remain meaningful?
• Which would be considered ancillary testing to support brain death determination?
• How can Brown-Séquard syndrome be differentiated from anterior cord syndrome?
• A tumor of which cranial nerve is commonly associated with dizziness?
• The recommended instrument with the best supportive data for detecting delirium in elderly patients is the:
• If a patient loses balance with eyes closed when standing with feet together, this finding is most suggestive of which type of dysfunction?
• Thunderclap headache with neck stiffness and loss of consciousness is most concerning for which diagnosis?
• What is the acute management of Guillain-Barré syndrome when there is rising respiratory effort failure?
• Symptoms indicative of Shaken Baby Syndrome are related to which of the following?
• Which sign is classically used to assess meningeal irritation by producing pain with knee extension when the thigh is flexed?
• Which term best describes an uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain?
• The component of the Glasgow Coma Scale that assesses motor function is which of the following?
• Bilateral distal weakness in the arms suggests which condition?
• Which test requires the patient to walk in a straight line, placing one foot directly in front of the other?
• What is the typical EEG finding in focal seizures with impaired awareness?
• Which sensory system primarily coordinates head movements?
• The Glasgow Coma Scale primarily assesses which aspect of brain function?
• Which of the following is NOT part of the classic triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus?
• What is the standard first-line treatment for an acute MS relapse?
• Which system coordinates head movements?
• In an infant with hydrocephalus, which of the following is commonly observed?
• Headache history with daily headaches for several weeks, relief for months, recurrence—most likely which type?
• What is the purpose of adding carbidopa to levodopa in Parkinson disease therapy?
• Which symptom complex defines cauda equina syndrome?
• Abdominal cutaneous reflex testing indicating a lesion at which thoracic levels if reflex is absent on the lower abdomen?
• What imaging findings distinguish PML in an HIV patient?
• Which autoimmune encephalitis is associated with ovarian teratoma and presents with psychiatric symptoms, seizures, and dyskinesias?
• Which medication is an anticholinergic commonly used to treat an acute dystonic reaction?
• Which system coordinates a steady posture?
• The Evans index is defined as the ratio of which measurements?
• Anti-Hu (ANNA-1) antibody is most classically associated with which cancer?
• Before administering intravenous alteplase in suspected acute ischemic stroke, which test is essential to rule out hemorrhage?
• In infants with hydrocephalus, which finding would be most consistent?
• Brain death is established by which criteria?
• An example of tandem walking is having the patient:
• Which inheritance pattern does Huntington disease follow?
• An older adult presenting with signs of undernourishment, slowed motor performance, and loss of muscle mass or weakness suggests:
• Which clinical features favor a myopathy over a neuropathy in a patient with weakness?
• Which term describes a language disorder in which both production and comprehension are impaired and reading and writing are affected?
• Which sign indicates weakness of the serratus anterior muscle leading to scapular winging?
• Which imaging metric quantifies ventriculomegaly in suspected hydrocephalus?
• What is the typical presentation of pituitary apoplexy?
• Which neurodegenerative disease is characterized by early chorea, psychiatric symptoms, and autosomal dominant inheritance?
• Taste on the posterior tongue is provided by which cranial nerve?
• Which sign involves dorsiflexion of the big toe following stimulation of the lateral sole?
• Absent blink reflex suggests lesion in which cranial nerve?
• Which phenomenon is commonly described as an aura in temporal lobe epilepsy?
• The inability to hop in place on each foot is most suggestive of which dysfunction?
• Which geriatric condition is characterized by normal alertness but progressive global deterioration of cognition in multiple domains?
• Which maneuver is used to assess coordination?
• Which cranial nerve carries the sense of smell?
• Which sign is most specifically associated with meningeal irritation in adults?
• Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is most classically associated with which tumor?
• Which imaging feature best distinguishes PML from multiple sclerosis on MRI?
• Loss of anal reflex suggests a lesion at which spinal segment levels?
• An older adult presenting with undernutrition, slowed motor performance, and loss of muscle mass is most consistent with which condition?
• Which term describes a distortion of any sense, especially touch?
• Which CSF findings are typical in neurosyphilis?
• A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement is known as:
• Which sense is most often affected in patients on long-term antibiotic therapy?
• What features characterize cluster headache, and what is first-line acute treatment?
• An example of a disease or condition that appears in a dermatomal pattern?
• Which age range is typical for simple febrile seizures?
• A painless plantar lesion in a patient with diabetes on the plantar surface with neuropathic symptoms is most likely which diagnosis?
• Dissemination in time in MS MRI is best evidenced by which finding?
• Symptoms of a subdural hematoma include which finding on imaging?
• What is the inheritance pattern and genetic basis of Friedreich ataxia?
• In a febrile child with petechiae and ecchymosis, which diagnosis should be considered most concerning?
• Which sign is most likely to be present in an infant with increased intracranial pressure?
• Which type of aphasia is associated with nonfluent, effortful speech with relatively preserved comprehension?
• Which statement about brain death criteria is NOT correct?
• A febrile patient with pink papules on the upper chest and trunk, along with petechiae and ecchymosis, may indicate which condition?
• Which developmental domain is predominantly affected by lead poisoning?
• What does the ASIA impairment scale assess?
• Within 4.5 hours of onset, what therapy improves outcome in acute ischemic stroke, and what are key exclusion criteria?
• Winging of the scapula is seen in several conditions, except which one?
• Narcolepsy with cataplexy is typically characterized by which features?
• The assessment tool with the strongest supporting data for delirium detection in older adults is the:
• Which sign is NOT a classic sign of meningitis?
• Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?
• Which CSF finding supports a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis?
• In a teenager with low blood pressure, constricted pupils, slurred speech, and drowsiness, which intoxication is most consistent?
• Which sign is elicited by extending the knee with the hip flexed, indicating meningeal irritation?
• Which of the following is least likely to present as asymmetric weakness?
• Which cranial nerves are tested when a clinician asks a patient to visually follow a finger through the cardinal fields of gaze?
• Which sign is tested by flexing the neck and observing involuntary bending of the hips and knees?
• Resting tremors refer to those tremors that disappear:
• What is the pharmacologic hallmark of diagnosis or treatment response in myasthenia gravis?
• Which imaging measure supports a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus?
• What are first-line pharmacologic treatments for essential tremor?
• Which clinical picture suggests a posterior circulation stroke?
• Which migraine symptom is explicitly listed among the five in the criteria?
• Definitive confirmation of Huntington disease is achieved by genetic testing showing an expanded CAG repeat in which gene?
• The combination of saddle anesthesia, back pain with radicular symptoms, and bladder dysfunction is most consistent with which syndrome?
• Which term describes involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements?
• Which aphasia is typically defined by nonfluent speech with relatively preserved comprehension?
• Soft palate does not rise, absent gag reflex, and taste abnormalities indicate involvement of which cranial nerve?
• During this type of seizure activity, consciousness is lost suddenly, often preceded by a cry, with immediate loss of posture followed by rhythmic jerking.
• A patient with meningitis demonstrates pain when attempting to straighten the knee with the hip flexed.
• Which sensory test assesses the ability to identify a number drawn on the hand with the eyes closed?
• Which imaging modality confirmed hydrocephalus in the infant case?
• A band of skin innervated by the sensory root of a single spinal nerve is called what?
• How can you differentiate Bell's palsy from a cortical (UMN) facial weakness?
• In Huntington disease, atrophy of which brain structure leads to enlargement of the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles?
• The most common cause of viral encephalitis in children is which virus?
• Which symptom may be associated with a tumor of the eighth cranial nerve?
• Kernig's sign is a test for irritation of which structure?
• Which sign is triggered by passive neck flexion that causes hip and knee flexion?
• Which vascular territory is implicated in a left hemisphere stroke causing aphasia and right hemiparesis in a right-handed patient?
• Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that can produce minor physical signs, thought disturbances, or disturbed motor activity is called:
• The maneuver described as placing the patient supine, lifting the relaxed leg with hip flexion, and dorsiflexing the foot is known as which test?
• An abnormal or unpleasant sense of touch is termed:
• Which sign is positive when the neck is flexed causing hip and knee flexion?
• Which sign on ophthalmologic exam is classically associated with raised intracranial pressure?
• What MRI finding is typical for Huntington disease?
• A patient has an abnormal right biceps deep tendon reflex. This finding localizes to which spinal segments?
• A stroke in which territory is most likely to cause aphasia and right hemiparesis in a right-handed patient?
• Which statement best describes the imaging appearance of PML lesions on MRI?
• Disorders of speech fall into three groups that affect all of the following except which?
• Which sign is a classic indicator of meningeal irritation noted by neck stiffness?
• Which laboratory finding supports a myopathy over a neuropathy when evaluating weakness?
• A rhythmic oscillatory movement of a body part resulting from the contraction of opposing muscle groups is:
• Unilateral absence of the gag reflex suggests a unilateral lesion in which cranial nerve?
• Shrugging the shoulders and eliciting neck movements tests which cranial nerve?
• Which of the following describes typical temporal lobe epilepsy?
• Which sign is described by hip and knee flexion when the neck is flexed?
• Stroking the lower abdomen and observing an absent localized twitch suggests a pathologic lesion in which spinal segments?
• What term describes involuntary muscle spasms and twisting of the limbs?
• Which statement best describes a pure motor lacunar stroke?
• Which seizure type is described as sudden loss of consciousness with falling without movements and possible injury?
• What CT finding confirms an acute intracerebral hemorrhage in the hyperacute stage?
• Touching the cornea assesses which cranial nerve?
• Intention tremors appear with movement and:
• On MRI, dissemination in time in MS is demonstrated by which finding?
• Which condition is commonly suggested by bilateral distal weakness with preserved sensation?
• Dysesthesia is a distortion of any sense, most commonly which?
• Which sign is characterized by stiffness of the neck and resistance to neck flexion?
• The test in which the patient closes eyes and you move the big toe to indicate direction assesses which sensation?
• With the patient lying supine and neck flexed to bring chin toward the chest, neck stiffness with resistance to flexion is noted. This is which sign?
• In the described neurological exam, dorsiflexion of the big toe after stroking the lateral sole indicates which sign?
• Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting acute ischemic changes within minutes of onset?
• The classic description of a simple febrile seizure includes which features?
• A patient with headaches that worsen with coughing, sneezing, or changing positions may be suggestive of:
• At what age is it considered normal for a child to pick up objects using the palm of the hand only?
• Which aphasia is typically characterized by fluent speech with impaired comprehension and frequent paraphrasias?
• Expansion of CAG repeats in the HTT gene is associated with which neurodegenerative disease?
• Symptoms indicative of Shaken Baby Syndrome are related to which of the following?
• What MRI feature is most characteristic of a meningioma?
• A positive Babinski sign is best described by which plantar response?
• Bilateral proximal limb weakness without sensory loss is most suggestive of which condition?
• How do myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome differ in their typical patterns of weakness and response to activity?
• Which condition is most likely associated with nausea, diaphoresis, and pallor triggered by fear or an unpleasant event?
• Which test involves walking heel-to-toe to assess cerebellar function?
• Subacute combined degeneration affects which neural tracts?
• In an older child with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which sign would most strongly suggest shunt malfunction?
• In normal pressure hydrocephalus, which clinical triad is classically described?
• Which sense is most often affected in patients on long-term antibiotic therapy?
• Absence of gag reflex is most directly associated with damage to which nerve?
• Hyponatremia is a common precipitant of seizures in vulnerable populations; name another electrolyte disturbance or metabolic factor that can provoke seizures in the elderly or dehydrated patients.
• Which lacunar infarct syndrome classically presents with pure motor weakness?
• Which EEG pattern is associated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?
• During cranial nerve assessment, sticking out the tongue and moving it from side to side tests which nerve?
• Which paraneoplastic antibody is most classically associated with small cell lung cancer and autoimmune encephalitis?
• On examination of an adult patient, which combination of signs is most consistent with Parkinson's disease?
• How is optic neuritis in suspected MS typically presented, and what is the first-line diagnostic test?
• A patient experiences fainting and sweating when confronted with distress; which diagnosis is most likely?
• Which mutation type is characteristic of Friedreich ataxia?
• Stroking the lateral sole from heel to ball and noting absence of movement of the big toe suggests a lesion at which spinal level?
• The aphasia characterized by difficulty speaking and understanding words and an inability to read or write is called which type?
• Abnormal right biceps reflex localizes to which cervical segments?
• Which sign is used to assess meningeal irritation?
• Abnormal reflex in the right knee during the knee-jerk exam localizes to which spinal levels?
• Babinski sign assesses which neural pathway?
• What is the classic CSF finding in Guillain-Barré syndrome?
• Which condition shows reflexes decreased and autonomic features with improvement with exercise?
• Anomic aphasia is primarily characterized by what deficit?
• Which CSF finding most supports a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis?
• Which dopaminergic therapy is most effective for symptomatic management of Parkinson disease?
• Which statement best differentiates a transient ischemic attack (TIA) from a completed ischemic stroke?
• In suspected raised intracranial pressure due to traumatic brain injury, what is the initial management priority?
• Which cranial nerve primarily tests the corneal reflex?
• Which sign is not a sign of meningitis?
• During a seizure, the patient appears confused and exhibits automatisms such as chewing or lip-smacking; this is classified as which type of seizure?
• Which cranial nerve is tested by having the patient raise eyebrows, frown, and smile?
• According to the migraine criteria provided, how many of the five symptoms must be present to classify the headache as a migraine?