Today, I reviewed and link to and excerpt from Neuropsychological Evaluation, from emedicine.medscape.com, updated Jan 22, 2021.
Overview
Neuropsychological evaluation (NPE) is a testing method through which a neuropsychologist can acquire data about a subject’s cognitive, motor, behavioral, linguistic, and executive functioning. In the hands of a trained neuropsychologist, these data can provide information leading to the diagnosis of a cognitive deficit or to the confirmation of a diagnosis, as well as to the localization of organic abnormalities in the central nervous system (CNS). The data can also guide effective treatment methods for the rehabilitation of impaired patients.
NPE provides insight into the psychological functioning of an individual, a capacity for which modern imaging techniques have only limited ability. [1, 2, 3] However, these tests must be interpreted by a trained, experienced neuropsychologist in order to be of any benefit to the patient. These tests are often coupled with information from clinical reports, physical examination, and increasingly, premorbid and postmorbid self and relative reports. Alone, each neuropsychological test has strengths and weaknesses in its validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity. However, through eclectic testing and new in situ testing, the utility of NPE is increasing dramatically. [4, 5]
Major Domains of Neuropsychological Functioning
Examples of Commonly Used Neuropsychological Tests
Referrals for Neuropsychological Evaluation
NPE is used to quantitatively measure the cognitive and behavioral capabilities of a patient. The data from neuropsychological tests can then be compared with normative data based on a number of different demographic criteria, including (but not limited to) age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. NPE can include testing of intelligence, attention, memory, and personality, as well as of problem solving, language, perceptual, motor, academic, and learning abilities.
Whom to refer for NPE
Neuropsychological testing provides diagnostic clarification and grading of clinical severity for patients with obvious or supposed cognitive deficits.
Information Obtained From Neuropsychological Reports
Neuropsychological tests are a series of measures that identify cognitive impairment and functioning in individuals. They provide quantifiable data about the following aspects of cognition:
Reasoning and problem-solving ability
Ability to understand and express language
Working memory and attention
Short-term and long-term memory
Processing speed
Visual-spatial organization
Visual-motor coordination
Planning, synthesizing, and organizing abilities
