Neuropsychological Assessment Overview

Neuropsychological assessments help understand MTBI impacts by identifying limitations, preserved functions, strengths, and implications for daily life (e.g., work, education, independence).

MTBI outcomes stem from complex interplay of neurological, physical, and psychological factors. Lesion location doesn't always predict outcome, and psychological factors influence cognition.

Fatigue from MTBI can significantly impact observed cognitive abilities and a person's self-perceived cognitive function, potentially leading to psychological distress, and impacting daily life.

Functional outcomes arise from the complex interaction of neurological, physical (such as fatigue and pain), and psychological factors (e.g., anxiety and motivation).

Tests should assess left/right brain function, frontal/posterior regions, general and specific intellectual abilities, and chronic/acute cognitive conditions.

Pain from MTBI can alter the interaction of factors, influencing observed cognition and a person's perception of their condition. It affects subjective experience and daily activities.

Neuropsych testing provides data for treatment design, rehab planning, and assessing everyday life function and competency for decision-makers and clinicians.

Lesions in similar locations can lead to different outcomes, and psychological aspects affect cognitive results in MTBI. This demonstrates the complexity of the interplay of factors on measured cognition.

A question that targets specific areas for neuropsychological assessment, focusing on generating relevant and useful conclusions.

Comprehensive record of a person's medical, educational, occupational, social, and family history; crucial for neuropsychological evaluations.

The reason for the neuropsychological assessment, from the patient's and significant others' perspectives.

Current and past medical and neurological information about the person being assessed.

Record of education, including the length of education, any learning disabilities, and test results.

Record of a person's work history, both current and past.

Includes the person's relationships, family structure, social support, and activities.

Important information to understand risk factors that may exist.

Details a person's substance use history, including frequency and type of use.

Information about the medications being taken, dosages, duration, reason, and possible side effects.

Attention, including focus, working memory, and sustained attention, is crucial for complex cognitive activities. It's like the foundation upon which our thinking and problem-solving rest.

The WMI (Working Memory Index) of the Wechsler Intelligence scales measures simple attention span (Digits Forward), backward recall (Digits Backward), and working memory (letter-number sequences). It's like gauging the capacity of our mental spotlight.

The PSI (Processing Speed Index) of the Wechsler Intelligence scales provides information about the speed at which we process information. It's like measuring how quickly our brain can 'turn the pages' of information.

Tests like the Continuous Performance Test, Paced Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and Stroop Color-Word Test are designed to assess attention specifically. They offer a deeper understanding of attentional strengths and weaknesses.

Tests such as the Seashore Rhythm test and the Speech Sounds Perception test evaluate how well we perceive and integrate sensory and motor information. It's like checking how well our senses work together.

The specific question guiding a neuropsych assessment, focusing on the suspected problem and desired outcomes.

Tailored set of tests chosen based on the individual's needs and the referral question, allowing flexible assessment of various cognitive functions.

Tests assessing overall cognitive abilities, including general intelligence and academic achievement, forming the foundation of neuropsychologial assessments.

Determining whether the brain's right or left hemisphere is predominantly affected by a condition or injury.

Pinpointing the specific location of brain damage or injury.

Analyzing the types of mistakes made on a neuropsych test to understand the underlying cognitive processes and difficulties.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, a comprehensive test measuring cognitive abilities, used to assess general intellectual functioning and identify specific strengths and weaknesses.

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, a psychological test used in neuropsych assessments to evaluate personality traits and identify potential mental health issues that may affect cognitive performance.

A neuropsych test battery designed to detect brain dysfunction, including a wide range of cognitive tasks, often combined with the WAIS and MMPI for a broader assessment.

A battery focused on diagnosing general cognitive impairment, lateralization (right or left hemisphere), and localization (specific area of damage) using both quantitative and qualitative analysis of test performance.