ABPTS NCS case studies
ABPTS NCS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) credential is awarded by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) to licensed physical therapists who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in neurologic practice. Candidates typically have substantial neurologic clinical experience and pursue certification to validate expertise, support career advancement, and signal competence to employers, referral sources, and patients. The ABPTS NCS case studies are 5 cases and about 3,489 words.
1New-Onset Foot Drop in a Patient with Low Back Pain: Screening Before the Plan of Care
A 58-year-old man is referred to outpatient physical therapy with a 3-week history of right low back pain radiating into the lateral calf. He reports that over the past 5 days his right foot has begun to 'slap' when walking and he has tripped twice.
895 words, about 4 min2Deciding Whether to Mobilize a Patient with an Acute Vestibular Presentation
A 44-year-old woman is seen in an outpatient clinic 2 days after the abrupt onset of severe vertigo, nausea, and imbalance. She reports that the room 'spins' constantly and that she cannot walk without holding the wall.
740 words, about 4 min3Setting Intensity and Progression After a Recent Stroke in a Patient with Cardiac Comorbidity
A 67-year-old man is 9 days post left middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. He has right hemiparesis: right hip flexion and knee extension 3/5, right ankle dorsiflexion 2/5, right upper extremity 2/5, with mild neglect on the right and intact communication.
629 words, about 3 min4Task-Specific Training Versus Compensatory Strategy in a Chronic Stroke Patient with Limited Hand Function
A 52-year-old woman is 14 months post right middle cerebral artery stroke. She has left hemiparesis with left wrist extension 1/5 and finger extension 1/5, but shoulder flexion and elbow flexion are 4/5.
637 words, about 3 min5Falls, Polypharmacy, and Driving in an Older Adult: Integrating Health Promotion and Ethics
An 81-year-old woman is seen at home after two falls in the past 3 months, neither causing injury. She lives alone, walks with a rolling walker indoors, and drives to the grocery store and church.
588 words, about 3 min