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Neuropsychological Evaluation

Neuroimaging techniques, (CT, MRI, SPECT) give an idea of the functional and structural integrity of the brain, as well as potential areas of the brain that have been affected.  However, they do not tell us how your brain has been affected.  Various insults, such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or stroke can affect each person in different ways.  The neuropsychological evaluation, which involves an in-depth clinical interview and the administration of paper and pencil tests, gives a much clearer picture of where you are cognitively, any weaknesses that need to be addressed as well specific strengths that can be used to help you progress.

Neuropsychological tests are standardized.  This means the tests are given in the same manner to all patients and scored in a similar manner time after time. An individual's scores on tests are interpreted by comparing their score to that of healthy individuals of a similar demographic background (i.e., of similar age, education, gender, and/or ethnic background) and to expected levels of functioning. In this way, a neuropsychologist can determine whether one's performance on any given task represents a strength or weakness. Although individual scores are important, the neuropsychologist looks at all of the data from the evaluation to determine a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses and, in turn, to understand more about how the brain is functioning.

How can I prepare for a neuropsychological evaluation?

  • Get a good night's sleep the night before you are scheduled to be examined

  • Eat a healthy and filling breakfast prior to being seen

  • Bring a list of all current medications and doses

  • Consider bringing a jacket/sweater and water bottle to keep yourself comfortable throughout the exam

  • If you are struggling with memory, bring along a family member or friend

  • If you are prone to anxiety, remind yourself to take deep breaths and finally

  • Give your very best on the exam and don't worry about getting things "right"!

The goal of an neuropsychological evaluation is to give the most complete picture of your cognitive functioning.  Some things that can potentially interfere with this goal, and which you should notify your examiner if you are experiencing, are:

  • Being excessively tired/fatigued or if you have sudden, unexpected "sleep attacks";

  • Not motivated to put forth your best effort;

  • Very emotionally distraught or have a severe psychiatric condition;

  • Under the influence of medications or illicit substances which interfere with cognitive functioning;

  • Experiencing frequent changes in the ability to move

Following your neuropsychological evaluation appointment and testing, your results will be examined for patterns and integrated into a report that incorporates behavioral observations and information from collateral sources. Findings are then summarized in a report and typically  provide insight into your current cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and includes recommendations designed to improve your quality of life and subsequent treatment planning.  Reports generally take two to four weeks from the time of testing to complete.  Prior to the end of your examination appointment, a time will be scheduled with you to return for a 45-minute review of findings.  This is an opportunity for you and your family member/friend to ask questions and discuss recommendations and referrals.  Referrals may include:

  • specific coping strategies
  • psychotherapy
  • medication review
  • occupational therapy
  • speech and language therapy
  • cognitive rehabilitation
  • behavioral treatment among others
  • testing accommodations