Page 1 of 149
CLTM ASAP BOARD PREP EXAM 2026|220+
VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS|GRADED A+
1. Pyramidal neurons generate the signals that are detected
by which neurodiagnostic modality?
A) MRI
B) CT
C) EEG and MEG
D) PET
Answer: C
Rationale: Pyramidal neurons are the primary source of the
postsynaptic potentials that generate both EEG signals
(recorded from the scalp) and magnetic fields detected by
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MEG (magnetoencephalography). MRI and CT detect
structural anatomy, while PET measures metabolic activity.
2. During brain ischemia, EEG changes initially occur:
A) Only after irreversible tissue damage has occurred
B) Simultaneously with CT perfusion changes
C) Well above levels of cerebral blood flow that result in
irreversible brain tissue injury
D) Only after the patient becomes unconscious
Answer: C
Rationale: EEG is exquisitely sensitive to reductions in
cerebral blood flow. Ischemic changes (loss of fast activity,
slowing) appear when CBF falls to approximately 15–20
ml/100g/min, which is still above the threshold for
irreversible infarction (≈10 ml/100g/min).
3. The EEG background is primarily generated by:
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A) Action potentials of neurons
B) Synaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPs) in cortical
pyramidal neurons
C) Glial cell activity
D) Scalp muscle contractions
Answer: B
Rationale: EEG signals arise from summated postsynaptic
potentials (excitatory and inhibitory) in the apical dendrites
of cortical pyramidal neurons. Action potentials are too fast
to contribute significantly.
4. Which of the following is NOT a recommended electrode
type for long-term EEG monitoring?
A) Gold cup electrodes
B) Silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes
C) Subdermal needle electrodes
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D) Iron-based electrodes
Answer: D
Rationale: Iron is not used for EEG electrodes due to high
impedance and instability. Gold cup, Ag/AgCl, and
subdermal needles are common in LTM.
5. The frequency range of the alpha rhythm (awake, eyes
closed) is typically:
A) 0.5–4 Hz
B) 4–8 Hz
C) 8–13 Hz
D) 13–30 Hz
Answer: C
Rationale: Alpha rhythm is 8–13 Hz, maximal in the
occipital region. It attenuates with eye opening.
CLTM ASAP BOARD PREP EXAM 2026|220+
VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS|GRADED A+
1. Pyramidal neurons generate the signals that are detected
by which neurodiagnostic modality?
A) MRI
B) CT
C) EEG and MEG
D) PET
Answer: C
Rationale: Pyramidal neurons are the primary source of the
postsynaptic potentials that generate both EEG signals
(recorded from the scalp) and magnetic fields detected by
,Page 2 of 149
MEG (magnetoencephalography). MRI and CT detect
structural anatomy, while PET measures metabolic activity.
2. During brain ischemia, EEG changes initially occur:
A) Only after irreversible tissue damage has occurred
B) Simultaneously with CT perfusion changes
C) Well above levels of cerebral blood flow that result in
irreversible brain tissue injury
D) Only after the patient becomes unconscious
Answer: C
Rationale: EEG is exquisitely sensitive to reductions in
cerebral blood flow. Ischemic changes (loss of fast activity,
slowing) appear when CBF falls to approximately 15–20
ml/100g/min, which is still above the threshold for
irreversible infarction (≈10 ml/100g/min).
3. The EEG background is primarily generated by:
,Page 3 of 149
A) Action potentials of neurons
B) Synaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPs) in cortical
pyramidal neurons
C) Glial cell activity
D) Scalp muscle contractions
Answer: B
Rationale: EEG signals arise from summated postsynaptic
potentials (excitatory and inhibitory) in the apical dendrites
of cortical pyramidal neurons. Action potentials are too fast
to contribute significantly.
4. Which of the following is NOT a recommended electrode
type for long-term EEG monitoring?
A) Gold cup electrodes
B) Silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes
C) Subdermal needle electrodes
, Page 4 of 149
D) Iron-based electrodes
Answer: D
Rationale: Iron is not used for EEG electrodes due to high
impedance and instability. Gold cup, Ag/AgCl, and
subdermal needles are common in LTM.
5. The frequency range of the alpha rhythm (awake, eyes
closed) is typically:
A) 0.5–4 Hz
B) 4–8 Hz
C) 8–13 Hz
D) 13–30 Hz
Answer: C
Rationale: Alpha rhythm is 8–13 Hz, maximal in the
occipital region. It attenuates with eye opening.
