Neuropsychological Assessment

Clinical neuropsychology is a sub-field of psychology concerned with the applied science of brain-behaviour relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists use this knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and or rehabilitation of patients across the lifespan with neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders.

Assessment is primarily by way of neuropsychological tests, but also includes patient history, observation and may draw on findings from neuroimaging and other diagnostic medical procedures.

The reasons neuropsychological assessments are carried out:  

• To clarify or ascertein a presumed diagnosis
• Rule out other causes that may contribute to current difficulties
• Provide a detailed profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, to better understand difficulties and paths to improvement
• Assist the patient, family, and the medical treatment team in developing an effective intervention plan to alleviate current symptoms and prevent deterioration.

A comprehensive assessment will typically take several hours and may need to be conducted over more than a single visit. The evaluation will include a history-taking interview, interview of caregivers or family members, as needed, review of medical information, observations, testing, report and feedback to patient. Additional feedback may be provided to family, medical treatment team or school.