NCS Stroke Rehabilitation

Question 1

What are the two main types of stroke?

Accepted Answer

Ischemic (blocked blood flow) and hemorrhagic (bleeding in the brain)

Answer

Ischemic strokes (87%) involve blood vessel blockage; hemorrhagic strokes involve vessel rupture.

Question 2

What is the NIHSS?

Accepted Answer

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale — a standardized assessment of stroke severity

Answer

NIHSS scores range from 0-42 and assess consciousness, motor function, sensation, language, and other neurological functions.

Question 3

What is neuroplasticity?

Accepted Answer

The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections after injury

Answer

Neuroplasticity enables recovery by allowing undamaged brain areas to take over functions of damaged areas.

Question 4

What are common motor deficits after stroke?

Accepted Answer

Hemiparesis or hemiplegia, spasticity, impaired coordination, and balance deficits

Answer

Stroke typically affects one side of the body opposite to the brain damage.

Question 5

What is constraint-induced movement therapy?

Accepted Answer

A rehabilitation technique that restricts the unaffected limb to force use of the affected limb

Answer

CIMT promotes neuroplasticity by constraining the strong limb, forcing the brain to strengthen connections to the weak limb.

(NCS) Neurologic Clinical Specialist Practice Test