Neuropsychological Evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment of how one's brain functions. This in turn can provide information about the structural and functional integrity of the brain. The assessment involves an interview with a clinical neuropsychologist and administration of tests by either the neuropsychologist or a carefully-trained psychometrist. The majority of tests are pen and paper-type tests, though may also include computerized tests and self-report questionnaires. The tests are standardized, which means they are given in exactly the same way to every patient. The results are then compared to those of healthy individuals with the same demographic background. The neuropsychologist can then determine an individual's strengths and weaknesses. While individual test scores are important, a neuropsychologist considers all data from the evaluation in their interpretation.
Why was a neuropsychological evaluation recommended?
Neuropsychological evaluations document strengths and weaknesses in a variety of brain functions, including general intelligence, executive function (planning, organization, conceptualization, abstraction), attention, memory, language, perception, sensorimotor functions, mood and emotional functioning, and personality traits.
Evaluations may be recommended specifically to:
Evaluations may be recommended specifically to:
- assist in a differential diagnosis
- assess function before and after treatment
- provide a baseline for later comparison
- document changes over recovery from brain injury, stroke or Long COVID
- clarify function to assist in treatment planning
How long does an evaluation take?
A neuropsychological evaluation typically takes from 2 to 5 hours, but may take as long as 8 hours depending on the complexity of problems assessed and the patient's condition. Sometimes it is necessary to complete the evaluation over 2 or more sessions.
How do I prepare for my evaluation?
Neuropsychological tests are not ones the require studying. There is no "passing" or "failing". However, there are things patients can do to facilitate accurate results, including:
There are certain conditions that can interfere with accurate assessment, and may result in rescheduling the evaluation, including:
- bringing a list of all medications with doses
- bringing results from any previous neuroimaging (e.g. MRI, CT, EEG) or neuropsychological evaluations
- bringing a friend or family member if the patient has difficulty remembering or communicating their background or symptoms
- getting a good night's sleep the night before the evaluation, including staying in a hotel the night before if the patient must drive a long distance
- abstaining from alcohol 24 hours prior to testing
There are certain conditions that can interfere with accurate assessment, and may result in rescheduling the evaluation, including:
- excessive drowsiness or fatigue
- low motivation to perform one's best
- very emotionally distraught or psychiatrically unstable
- under the influence of medications or illicit drugs that affect cognitive funciton