ABPN Neuromuscular Medicine case studies
ABPN Neuromuscular Medicine · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ABPN Neuromuscular Medicine Subspecialty Certification Exam is a board certification examination offered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc., which describes itself as "A Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)" and as "Setting the highest certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists since 1934." It is intended for physicians trained in neurology or psychiatry who have completed subspecialty training in neuromuscular medicine and wish to demonstrate competence in the evaluation and management of disorders of peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction, and muscle. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the ABPN; candidates should always confirm eligibility, application deadlines, fees, and scheduling directly with the board. The ABPN Neuromuscular Medicine case studies are 5 cases and about 2,788 words.
1Subacute Weakness with Respiratory Decline: Timing the Workup
A 58-year-old man presents with 3 weeks of progressive symmetric proximal leg weakness, now unable to rise from a chair, with mild finger extension weakness. He reports a recent diarrheal illness 6 weeks ago.
630 words, about 3 min2Diabetic with Foot Drop and Back Pain: One Lesion or Two?
A 64-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes (A1c 9.1%) and 12 years of diabetes presents with 2 months of right foot drop and 3 weeks of worsening low back pain radiating down the right leg. Exam: right ankle dorsiflexion 2/5, right extensor hallucis longus 1/5, right ankle inversion 3/5, right ankle plantar flexion 5/5.
620 words, about 3 min3Myasthenia Gravis with Worsening Bulbar Symptoms: When to Escalate
A 41-year-old woman with generalized myasthenia gravis (AChR antibody positive) on pyridostigmine 60 mg four times daily and prednisone 10 mg daily presents with 5 days of worsening double vision, nasal speech, and difficulty swallowing solids. She has no fever, no cough, and no shortness of breath at rest.
502 words, about 3 min4Painful Proximal Weakness and Rash: Steroids Now or Biopsy First?
A 52-year-old woman presents with 6 weeks of progressive proximal muscle weakness (cannot lift arms overhead or rise from a low chair), muscle pain, and a violaceous rash over the eyelids and knuckles. She has no dysphagia, no dyspnea, and no fever.
514 words, about 3 min5Chronic Progressive Numbness and Weakness: Hereditary versus Acquired
A 38-year-old man presents with 8 years of slowly progressive distal numbness and weakness, now with frequent trips and difficulty with fine hand tasks. Exam: distal-predominant weakness (ankle dorsiflexion 4/5, finger abduction 4/5), absent ankle reflexes, reduced vibration and pinprick distally, and mild pes cavus with hammer toes.
522 words, about 3 min