What is Neurosychological Evaluation

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of brain-mediated cognitive functions. It is available for children through seniors.  The data from a neuropsychological evaluation are used to assess an individual’s current level of cognitive functioning so as to determine the nature and degree of cognitive and emotional deficits, if any; establish the probable causal relationship between the patient’s current neurobehavioral status and medical history; and evaluate the functional significance (i.e., disability) of such deficits.

The neuropsychological evaluation can be used to inform the treating physician of cognitive and psychological symptoms for a number of disorders, such as diabetes, HIV, vascular disorders, chronic pain, and neurological disorders.  The information provided from the neuropsychological evaluation will help with treatment planning and prognosis for the patient.  

The neuropsychological test battery is comprised of a number of procedures designed to evaluate function in the following domains:  

1) general intelligence
2) attention/concentration
3) sensation-perception
4) motor-praxis
5) language
6) new learning and memory|
7) higher level cognition-executive function
8) emotional status
9) response validity

The evaluation also requires a clinical interview with the patient and others, if available, who can provide additional information about his status.