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What, Why, Who, When, How?

Everything you need to know about a neuropsychological evaluation.

What is a neuropsychological evaluation? 

A neuropsychological evaluation tests different thinking areas to determine how they are functioning. Evaluations also examine emotional/mood and personality functioning.

 

Neuropsychological evaluation can address questions regarding brain-related impairment in cognitive functioning or behavior. Unlike CT or MRI scans, which show the structure of the brain, neuropsychological testing examines how well the brain is working when it performs certain functions.

 

Assessment can diagnose or rule out several conditions, as well as identify the impact of various conditions on a person’s cognitive functioning. 

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Neuropsychological evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of cognitive and behavioral functioning using a set of standardized tabletop tests and procedures. Various thinking areas are systematically tested to determine a person’s strengths and weaknesses. 

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Results of the neuropsychological evaluation can: 

  • Identify or rule out problems in brain functioning

  • Form a diagnosis

  • Document strengths and weaknesses throughout progression of a disease (MS, PD, epilepsy) or following a TBI or stroke

  • Inform treatment and rehabilitation for medical, educational, or vocational purposes

  • Provide recommendations to other healthcare providers regarding treatment, care, or intervention

What neuropsychological evaluation at Valley MedPsych CAN do:

​Testing at Valley MedPsych CAN: ​

  • Determine strengths & weaknesses of different thinking areas

  • Form a diagnosis

  • Rule out conditions

  • Inform treatment and care with your physician

  • Document cognitive & behavioral changes over time

What neuropsychological evaluation at Valley MedPsych CANNOT do:

Testing at Valley MedPsych: 

  • is NOT a therapy session

  • is NOT a forensic evaluation

  • does NOT determine if cognitive changes or concerns are due to a workplace accident

  • does NOT determine disability status 

  • does NOT determine capacity for decision making

  • Dr. Mouras does NOT provide treatment and does NOT prescribe medication.

What is the point? Why get evaluated?

Through neuropsychological testing, we can determine strengths and weaknesses across different thinking areas. Knowing these strengths and weaknesses, as well as your emotional and personality functioning, is valuable information in determining a diagnosis and informing treatment, care, or interventions.

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It is important to keep in mind that everyone experiences some cognitive difficulties sometimes. Who among us can honestly say they haven't walked into a room and immediately forgotten why or occasionally misplaced their car keys? Cognitive difficulties become concerns when they start happening regularly or unexpectedly. 

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However, just because you tend to frequently forget things doesn't necessarily mean you have dementia. Cognitive difficulties and the functioning of different thinking areas are impacted by a variety of non-neurological things, such as:​

  • Mood (depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.)

  • Sleep quality

  • Chronic pain

  • Vitamin deficiencies 

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Neuropsychological evaluation can help determine how neurological and/or non-neurological factors affect your cognitive concerns. 

Who should get evaluated? When do I need an evaluation? 

Neuropsychological evaluation requires a referral. You may be referred for testing if you express cognitive difficulties or concerns to your primary care physician or neurologist. Such concerns or difficulties may include: 

  • Difficulty with memory

  • Trouble communicating with others, including speaking or finding words

  • Difficulty paying attention and concentrating

  • Frequently getting lost or losing commonly used items

  • Trouble recognizing familiar people

  • Unexplained personality changes (such as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, hallucinations or delusions)

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Additionally, testing can be helpful in monitoring the progression of certain conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, etc.) to ensure that treatment, care, and intervention strategies are tailored to your current cognitive functioning. 

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Neuropsychological evaluations can also be useful in tracking recovery following traumatic brain injury or stroke. Up-to-date information regarding cognitive functioning can better inform treatment and care with your neurologist. 

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As imaging technology and biological testing become more capable of determining early stages of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, early neuropsychological testing can also help inform intervention strategies. If you have a family history of dementia, it may be valuable to get evaluated before cognitive concerns become severe. Your primary care physician or neurologist will be able to guide you through this decision making process. 

How does the evaluation work?

The evaluation consists of 3 main parts:

  1. Clinical Interview

    • Discussion of cognitive concerns and relevant medical and biographical history.​

  2. Testing

    • Assessment of the functioning of several different thinking areas and emotional/personality functioning. ​

  3. Feedback

    • Discussion of testing results, diagnostic opinions, and next steps in treatment and care. ​

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Evaluations are typically split into two separate appointments. The first appointment is the longest at approximately 4 hours and includes the Clinical Interview and Testing. The second appointment is usually 30 minutes and only includes the Feedback.

 

Testing involves standardized administration of research-supported measures and includes formats such as paper and pencil tests, computer tests, and clinical questionnaires. 

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