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100+ Free DACNB Practice Questions

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Per the 2022 Amsterdam concussion consensus, return-to-learn and return-to-play should:

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: DACNB Exam

DACNB is the diplomate credential for chiropractic neurology (functional neurology) issued by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. Eligibility requires a Doctor of Chiropractic (or equivalent) plus a minimum of 300 hours of post-doctorate specialty-level neurology coursework from a CAGEN-approved program. Candidates must pass a CBT written exam and a separate practical/performance exam. The credential is NCCA-accredited and recertified on a 5-year cycle via continuing education.

Sample DACNB Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your DACNB exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient demonstrates dysmetria of the right upper extremity on finger-to-nose testing, with intention tremor that worsens as the target is approached. Truncal stability is preserved. Which cerebellar region is most likely involved?
A.Right cerebellar hemisphere
B.Left cerebellar hemisphere
C.Vermis
D.Flocculonodular lobe
Explanation: The cerebrocerebellum (lateral hemispheres) controls coordination of distal limb movements ipsilateral to the side of the lesion. Right-sided ipsilateral limb dysmetria with intention tremor localizes to the right cerebellar hemisphere. Truncal preservation argues against vermis (spinocerebellum) and the absence of nystagmus/imbalance argues against flocculonodular involvement.
2During the Dix-Hallpike maneuver toward the right, the patient develops upbeating-torsional nystagmus (top poles beating toward the right ear) with a 5-second latency, lasting 25 seconds, and fatigues with repetition. The most likely diagnosis is:
A.Posterior canal BPPV on the right
B.Posterior canal BPPV on the left
C.Vestibular neuritis on the right
D.Central positional vertigo
Explanation: Right posterior canal BPPV produces upbeating-torsional nystagmus (top pole beating toward the dependent ear) with classic latency, duration <60 seconds, and fatigability on a right Dix-Hallpike. The Epley canalith repositioning maneuver is the treatment of choice. Central positional nystagmus typically lacks latency, does not fatigue, and may be persistent or change direction.
3A 17-year-old football player is hit on the head and returns to play after the score, then collapses on the sideline 10 minutes later with profound brain swelling. This is most consistent with:
A.Second impact syndrome
B.Subdural hematoma
C.Concussion with delayed recovery
D.Diffuse axonal injury
Explanation: Second impact syndrome is a catastrophic cerebral edema response following a second head impact before recovery from a first concussion - most often in young athletes. The 2022 Amsterdam consensus mandates that no athlete returns to play same-day after suspected concussion, exactly to prevent this outcome.
4During eye movement examination, a patient shows hypometric saccades on rightward gaze that overshoot are corrected by additional small saccades. The most likely localization is:
A.Cerebellar vermis lesion
B.Frontal eye field lesion
C.Right brainstem horizontal gaze center (paramedian pontine reticular formation)
D.Optic nerve lesion
Explanation: Saccadic dysmetria (hypometric or hypermetric) localizes to the dorsal vermis and fastigial nucleus, which calibrate saccadic accuracy. Hypometric saccades undershoot and require corrective catch-up saccades. Brainstem PPRF lesions produce slow or absent ipsilateral horizontal saccades, not dysmetria.
5A 50-year-old presents with resting tremor of the right hand (pill-rolling), bradykinesia, and cogwheel rigidity. Which structure is primarily implicated?
A.Caudate nucleus
B.Substantia nigra pars compacta (loss of dopaminergic neurons)
C.Subthalamic nucleus
D.Cerebellar dentate nucleus
Explanation: Idiopathic Parkinson disease results from progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, reducing dopaminergic input to the striatum and altering basal ganglia output. The classic triad is resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity, often with asymmetric onset. Postural instability appears later in disease.
6A patient demonstrates left adduction weakness on right gaze with abducting nystagmus of the right eye. Convergence is intact. The most likely localization is:
A.Left medial longitudinal fasciculus (left INO)
B.Right oculomotor nerve
C.Left abducens nerve
D.Left lateral rectus
Explanation: Internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) is caused by a lesion of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) on the side of the impaired adduction. Preserved convergence helps localize to the MLF (rather than to a CN III nuclear/fascicular lesion). Bilateral INO in a young adult should raise concern for multiple sclerosis.
7Per ICHD-3, the minimum criteria for migraine without aura include all of the following EXCEPT:
A.At least 5 attacks fulfilling criteria
B.Duration 4-72 hours untreated or unsuccessfully treated
C.At least 2 of: unilateral, pulsating, moderate-severe intensity, aggravated by physical activity
D.Onset before age 10
Explanation: ICHD-3 migraine without aura requires >=5 attacks, duration 4-72 hours, at least 2 of (unilateral, pulsating, moderate-severe, aggravation by routine activity), and at least 1 of (nausea/vomiting or photophobia and phonophobia). Onset before age 10 is not a criterion - migraine commonly begins in adolescence or young adulthood.
8The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain is best assessed clinically with:
A.Tandem Romberg
B.Head impulse test (HIT)
C.Vibration test of mastoid
D.Babinski
Explanation: The head impulse test (Halmagyi-Curthoys) is the bedside test of VOR gain. A corrective catch-up saccade indicates reduced VOR gain on the tested side, suggesting peripheral vestibulopathy (vestibular neuritis, hypofunction). HIT is a key component of the HINTS exam for differentiating peripheral from central acute vestibular syndrome.
9A patient with vertigo, nystagmus, and gait imbalance has direction-changing nystagmus and a normal head impulse test. The HINTS exam suggests:
A.Peripheral vestibulopathy (vestibular neuritis)
B.Central (likely posterior circulation stroke)
C.BPPV
D.Migraine-associated vertigo
Explanation: HINTS exam (Head Impulse, Nystagmus, Test of Skew) for acute vestibular syndrome: peripheral findings = abnormal head impulse, direction-fixed nystagmus, normal skew. Central findings = normal head impulse, direction-changing nystagmus, or skew deviation. Any central finding raises high suspicion for posterior circulation stroke and warrants urgent neuroimaging.
10The SCAT6 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6) acute evaluation tool is designed for athletes aged:
A.<5 years
B.5-12 years (Child SCAT6)
C.13 years and older
D.Adults only (>=18 years)
Explanation: SCAT6 is intended for athletes 13 years and older; Child SCAT6 is intended for ages 5-12. SCAT6 (released 2023 with the 2022 Amsterdam consensus) replaces SCAT5 and adds dual-task gait and improved cognitive subscales. Acute evaluation includes Maddocks questions, Glasgow Coma Scale, and on-field cognitive screen.

About the DACNB Exam

The DACNB (Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board) certifies functional/clinical chiropractic neurologists who have completed at least 300 hours of post-doctorate CAGEN-approved specialty training. The credential validates knowledge of functional neuroanatomy, cerebellum, vestibular system, eye movements, concussion, neurorehabilitation interventions, and clinical red-flag recognition. Both a computer-based written exam (CBT) and a practical/performance exam are required.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Computer-based written examination plus a separate practical/performance examination

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced (ACNB subject-matter expert standard)

Exam Fee

Fees set per administration in the ACNB Candidate Handbook; 20% late fee after March 31 deadline (American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB))

DACNB Exam Content Outline

Core

Functional Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology

Cortical, subcortical, brainstem, cerebellar, spinal cord, and peripheral pathways and their functional integration

Core

Cerebellum and Motor Control

Vermis vs hemispheres, vestibulocerebellum, spinocerebellum, cerebrocerebellum - dysmetria, ataxia, intention tremor

Core

Basal Ganglia and Movement Disorders

Direct/indirect pathway, Parkinson disease, dystonia, chorea, hemiballismus, tremor classification

Core

Vestibular System

Peripheral vs central, VOR, optokinetic, BPPV (Dix-Hallpike, Epley), vestibular rehab

Core

Oculomotor and Eye Movements

Saccades, smooth pursuit, fixation, OPK, vergence, INO, Hering law

Core

Concussion and TBI

SCAT5/SCOAT6, 2022 Amsterdam consensus, VOMS, post-concussion syndrome, RTL/RTP

Core

Neurodevelopmental Conditions

ADHD, autism spectrum, learning disabilities - functional neurology assessment perspective

Core

Peripheral Nerve and Radiculopathy

Mononeuropathies, polyneuropathy, radiculopathy, CRPS, EMG/NCS basics

Core

Stroke, MS, and Neurodegeneration

Stroke syndromes, MS phenotypes, Alzheimer, Parkinson, ALS - recognition and referral

Core

Headache and Pain Syndromes

Migraine (ICHD-3), cluster, tension-type, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, central sensitization

Core

Neurorehabilitation Interventions

Vestibular rehab, eye movement therapy, cognitive rehab, gaze stabilization, sensory training, TMS/tDCS awareness

Core

Clinical Decision-Making and Red Flags

Recognition of UMN findings, raised ICP, cauda equina, malignancy red flags and referral indications

How to Pass the DACNB Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Criterion-referenced (ACNB subject-matter expert standard)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Computer-based written examination plus a separate practical/performance examination
  • Exam fee: Fees set per administration in the ACNB Candidate Handbook; 20% late fee after March 31 deadline

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DACNB Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master cerebellar topography: vermis controls trunk and proximal muscles, hemispheres control distal limbs, flocculonodular lobe controls eye movements and balance
2Drill the vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) gain and direction-fixed vs direction-changing nystagmus differential to separate peripheral from central vertigo
3Memorize the SCAT5 and SCOAT6 components, including VOMS, dual-task gait, and the 22-symptom checklist
4Build a structured eye movement exam: saccades (latency, accuracy, velocity), pursuits (gain, catch-up saccades), fixation (square-wave jerks), vergence
5Review ICHD-3 migraine criteria and red flags (SNOOP10) to differentiate primary from secondary headaches
6Practice the Dix-Hallpike maneuver and Epley canalith repositioning for posterior canal BPPV, and the BBQ roll for horizontal canal
7Use the 2022 Amsterdam concussion consensus framework for early-active rehabilitation and stepwise RTL/RTP
8Score practice exams systematically and identify weak domains (often basal ganglia, brainstem syndromes, and oculomotor) for targeted review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DACNB exam format?

DACNB requires two examinations: a comprehensive computer-based written examination (CBT) and a separate practical/performance examination. Both must be passed for certification. Practical exams are held at designated proctor sites in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Candidates must be a Doctor of Chiropractic (or equivalent healthcare doctorate) and complete a minimum of 300 hours of post-doctorate specialist-level neurology training from a program approved by the Commission for Accreditation of Graduate Education in Neurology (CAGEN). The Carrick Institute and University of Bridgeport are common training pathways.

How is the DACNB exam scored?

Scoring is criterion-referenced. The ACNB establishes a minimally competent candidate standard for each examination form, and pass/fail is determined relative to that standard rather than a fixed percentage.

How long is DACNB certification valid?

Five years. Re-certification is accomplished by continuing education submission to ACNB rather than re-examination, provided CE requirements and good-standing criteria are met.

Is the DACNB NCCA-accredited?

Yes. The DACNB credential is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which sets standards for high-quality certification programs in the US.

What is the difference between Diplomate and Fellowship in functional neurology?

Diplomate status (DACNB) is the board-level certification awarded by ACNB after meeting the 300-hour training requirement and passing both exams. Fellowship is post-Diplomate specialized study (e.g., Fellow in Vestibular Rehabilitation, Fellow in Childhood Neurobehavioral Disorders) awarded by professional associations rather than ACNB.

Can chiropractic neurologists prescribe medications?

No. DACNB does not expand chiropractic scope of practice. Chiropractic neurologists provide non-pharmacologic functional neurology assessment and rehabilitation; pharmacologic management remains within the scope of medical neurologists and other prescribing clinicians.