NRCME - National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Neurological Disorders Evaluation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 48-year-old CMV driver presents for a certification exam.
He reports having a stroke 18 months ago that affected his brainstem, with no subsequent seizures.
He has completed rehabilitation, and a recent neurological evaluation shows no significant residual motor or cognitive deficits.
According to FMCSA guidelines, what is the appropriate waiting period and maximum certification period for this driver?

Accepted Answer

A 1-year waiting period with a 1-year maximum certification.

Answer

A 6-month waiting period with a 2-year certification.

Answer

A 5-year waiting period with a 2-year maximum certification.

Answer

Permanent disqualification due to a history of stroke.

Question 2

Which of the following conditions is generally considered disqualifying for a CMV driver unless a specific exemption is granted by the FMCSA?

Accepted Answer

A current clinical diagnosis of epilepsy, controlled with medication.

Answer

Benign positional vertigo that has been symptom-free for 3 months.

Answer

A history of a single, unprovoked seizure 6 years ago, with no anti-seizure medication used in the past 5 years.

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy with mild sensory loss in the feet but no motor deficit.

Question 3

A driver sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), defined as a loss of consciousness for 45 minutes, without dural penetration or early seizures. What is the minimum waiting period, seizure-free and off anticonvulsant medication, before this driver can be considered for certification?

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

5 years

Answer

3 months

Question 4

When evaluating a driver with peripheral neuropathy, the medical examiner's primary concern should be whether the condition:

Accepted Answer

Interferes with the safe operation and control of a commercial motor vehicle.

Answer

Causes intermittent pain in the extremities.

Answer

Is a result of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

Answer

Requires the use of over-the-counter pain medication.

Question 5

A 35-year-old driver reports a single episode of loss of consciousness 3 years ago that was attributed to dehydration and resolved without requiring anti-seizure medication. A thorough neurological work-up was negative. What is the most appropriate action for the medical examiner?

Accepted Answer

Qualify the driver for two years if the medical condition is resolved and there are no residual complications.

Answer

Disqualify the driver permanently due to the loss of consciousness.

Answer

Require the driver to complete a 5-year seizure-free waiting period.

Answer

Certify the driver for a maximum of one year pending annual neurological re-evaluation.

Question 6

A commercial driver has a history of Meniere's disease. Which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding their certification status according to FMCSA recommendations?

Accepted Answer

The diagnosis of Meniere's disease is considered disqualifying.

Answer

The driver can be certified if they have been symptom-free for 30 days.

Answer

The driver may be certified for 1 year if they use medication to control vertigo.

Answer

Certification is possible after a successful surgical intervention, with no waiting period.