Neuropsychological Evaluation
Neuropsychological evaluation is recommended in cases where brain-based impairment in cognitive function or behavior is suspected and an assessment of functional and cognitive abilities is needed. Patients are asked to answer questions, solve puzzles, draw pictures, remember specific information, and answer questions about themselves. Testing is lengthy but is not designed to be stressful.
Appropriate Reasons for Referral Include:
- Dementia
- Memory complaints
- Deficits following a stroke or other vascular event
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Concussion
- Closed head injuries
- Seizure disorders
- Epilepsy
- Intellectual delay
- Assistance in differential diagnosis (e.g. to determine whether possible mental and behavioral problems are related to cognitive deficits, memory loss, etc.)
- ADHD/attention problems confounded by other mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety
- Unexplainable changes in cognitive or mental status
Evaluation Includes:
- Initial interview and status exam (1-2 hours)
- Comprehensive assessment of the patient’s intellectual functioning (3-6 hours), which includes:
- Verbal comprehension
- Non-verbal perceptual reasoning
- Working memory and cognitive processing speed
- Capacity for memory and learning
- Attention and executive functioning
- Visuospatial and motor functioning
- Judgment and insight
- Social/emotional functioning
- Feedback appointment scheduled after testing to discuss results and recommendations with the patient and family (1 hour)
- A detailed report for the referring physician, which includes:
- Neurocognitive functioning
- Social/emotional functioning
- Diagnostic/clinical impressions
- Treatment recommendations