ABEM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ABEM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
2. When performing nerve conduction studies, a 'stimulus artifact' that obscures the early response is best reduced by: → Reducing the distance between stimulating cathode and anode
3. Which factor MOST significantly affects the quality of technical outcomes in ABEM practice? → The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
4. In blink reflex testing, the R1 response is generated by which pathway? → Trigeminal afferent → oligosynaptic pontine circuit → ipsilateral facial nerve efferent
5. What condition is primarily characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness? → Polymyositis
6. Which data interpretation is typical in demyelinating neuropathies? → Prolonged latency and slowed conduction velocity
7. Which of the following best describes a complex repetitive discharge (CRD) on EMG? → A high-frequency uniform discharge beginning and ending abruptly without waxing or waning
8. What is the primary clinical application of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs)? → Evaluating auditory pathway integrity and detecting acoustic neuromas or brainstem lesions
9. What is the functional consequence of demyelination on nerve conduction velocity? → Conduction velocity decreases
10. Which condition is commonly diagnosed using electromyography (EMG)? → Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
11. Excessive use of isoniazid (INH) for tuberculosis can cause peripheral neuropathy due to depletion of which vitamin? → Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
12. Why is patient history important before conducting EMG/NCS? → It guides test interpretation and electrode placement
13. Informed consent for electrodiagnostic studies should include all of the following EXCEPT: → The interpreter's opinion on the likely diagnosis
14. The needle EMG finding of reduced interference pattern at maximal effort is best interpreted as evidence of: → Poor patient effort or upper motor neuron disease or lower motor neuron loss
15. Which risk management approach is MOST effective for ABEM professionals when evaluating potential workplace hazards? → Proactive hazard identification and assessment
16. When documenting assessment findings in ABEM practice, which approach is MOST appropriate? → Record objective findings, measurements, and professional observations factually
17. Which of the following scenarios represents an inappropriate billing practice in electrodiagnostic medicine? → Billing for nerve conduction studies not performed during the session
18. A patient with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) would most likely benefit from which pharmacological agent? → 3,4-Diaminopyridine (amifampridine)
19. The dorsal interossei muscles of the hand are innervated by which nerve? → Ulnar nerve
20. Which class of drugs is contraindicated in myasthenia gravis due to risk of exacerbating neuromuscular transmission? → Beta-blockers and aminoglycoside antibiotics
21. The H-reflex latency is used clinically to assess which nerve root level in the lower extremity? → S1
22. What result in NCS suggests demyelination? → Slowed conduction velocity
23. Which assessment method provides the MOST reliable data for ABEM professionals making critical decisions? → Standardized tools combined with professional observation
24. In Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), high-frequency repetitive stimulation (50 Hz) or brief maximal voluntary contraction characteristically produces: → Increment >100% in CMAP amplitude
25. Which drug used in the treatment of ALS has been shown to modestly slow disease progression? → Riluzole
26. Which muscle is the primary abductor of the thumb and is commonly tested in thenar EMG? → Abductor pollicis brevis
27. Corticosteroids are used in inflammatory myopathies such as polymyositis primarily because they: → Suppress the aberrant immune-mediated attack on muscle
28. In critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), which electrodiagnostic pattern is expected? → Axonal sensorimotor neuropathy with low CMAP and SNAP amplitudes and active denervation
29. Which nerve conduction study parameter is most useful for detecting early axonal polyneuropathy? → SNAP amplitude
30. An electrodiagnostician is asked to perform studies on a patient who is also their personal friend. The BEST ethical approach is to: → Disclose the relationship, consider referring to a colleague, and document the decision