Neuropsychological Evaluations
The neuropsychological evaluation is a noninvasive, comprehensive assessment of cognitive and behavioral functions using a set of standardized tests and procedures. Various mental functions are systematically tested, including, but not limited to:
- Intellectual functioning/IQ score
- Problem solving and conceptualization
- Planning and organization
- Attention, memory, and learning
- Language
- Academic skills
- Perceptual and motor abilities
- Emotions, behavior, and personality
While neuroimaging techniques such as CT or MRI are highly valuable tools for visualizing what the brain looks like, neuropsychological evaluation demonstrates how the brain is functioning and processesing information.
Unlike the commonly used Mini Mental Status Exam, neuropsychological evaluation is sensitive even to subtle cognitive disturbance.
Target Populations
A neuropsychological referral is recommended for any case in which brain-based impairment in cognitive function or behavior is suspected. Typical referrals are made to diagnose or rule out the following conditions, and to describe their impact on a person’s cognitive functioning and daily life:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Developmental learning disabilities
- Disorders of memory or attention
- Psychiatric or neuropsychiatric disorders
- Seizure disorders
- Medical illness or treatments
- Toxic exposure or chronic substance abuse
- Dementing conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease)