Adult Outpatient Programs and Services Neuropsychological Evaluation

Adult Outpatient Programs and Services

Neuropsychological Evaluation

The neuropsychological evaluation is administered by a neuropsychologist who specializes in understanding the relationship of the brain to specific abilities and the objective evaluation of these abilities. The tests may vary according to the particular needs of each client and they usually include tests reviewing the client's sensory and motor abilities, attention and concentration, memory, language, visual-spatial ability and "higher cognitive functioning," such as reasoning, problem solving sills and intellectual functioning. Clients will be asked to complete various questionnaires concerning medical history, social history, current symptoms and psychological functioning.

The evaluative tests are presented orally, in writing or in other formats where the client is asked to perform tasks involving answering questions, drawing or building objects. There is no "medical' testing involved. The amount of time needed for the testing process will vary as well, according to the needs of the situation and the client's general ability to undergo this procedure. In most cases, clients should expect to spend between three and six hours for the actual testing, sometimes more. The staff will typically try to complete the testing in one day, although in some cases more than one day of testing may be necessary.

Results of these tests are very useful because they can be compared to the norms or the numerical information that gives the staff a good idea of how the client performs in comparison with the average performance of similar individuals. Also important is the client's performance in comparison to his or her overall level of functioning before the injury or illness, taking into account such things as educational history, work history, age and other factors.

The results of the evaluation, along with an explanation of what the results mean, are shared with the client and with family members at the client's request. The person who referred the client for the neuropsychological evaluation, usually a physician, rehabilitation nurse or other professional, will also be provided with the results.

The evaluation results may also lead to recommendations for treatment, such as cognitive remediation, in order to learn ways to compensate for limitations that have been caused by the neurologic illness or injury.