History of Neuropsychology

History of Neuropsychology

• The study of the brain's influence on behavior dates back to ancient Egypt around 3500 BC, with the priest Imhotep studying the brain's impact on behavior.
• Ancient Egyptians practiced mummification, which involved removing the brain through a process called excerebration, as they believed the heart was more important for the afterlife.
• The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, written around 1700 BC, contains the first written description of the human brain and its components, including the cerebral cortex.
• The papyrus describes cases of patients with head injuries, including one with a hole in the head where the brain was exposed, and mentions "corrugations" resembling molten copper, which are the cerebral cortex.
• The ancient Egyptians made significant anatomical discoveries through inspecting wounds and practicing embalming, and developed diagnoses and treatments, including surgery and trephination.
• After the Macedonian domination, traditional Egyptian medicine was replaced by Greek medicinal arts, with pioneers like Herophilus and Erasistratus making significant contributions to anatomy and brain circulation.

Neuropsychology

• Neuropsychology is the science that studies the relationship between brain functions and behavior, drawing from anatomy, biology, pharmacology, and physiology.
• Clinical neuropsychology applies this knowledge to clinical situations, focusing on behavioral changes resulting from brain injuries.
• The importance of studying neuropsychology lies in understanding the relationship between brain functions and behavior, and determining the site and type of brain injury affecting behavior.

The Role of a Neuropsychologist

• A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specializes in establishing the relationship between the brain and behavior, with extensive training in anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system.
• Their skills include using assessment tools to reveal brain functions, evaluating, interpreting, and predicting behavioral changes resulting from brain injuries.
• A neuropsychologist can provide evidence of the effect of brain injury on cognitive functioning when other diagnostic tools are ineffective, and can differentiate between malingering, depression, or injury-related behavioral disorders.