Neuropsychological Testing

What are Neuropsychological Tests?

Neuropsychology tests are specially designed tests conducted by a neuropsychologist (a doctor trained in neuropsychology) to test the brain function and its impact on behavior and thinking skills. The tests determine cognitive strength and weakness by studying a person’s ability to:

• Read and speak properly
• Memorize
• Solve a problem
• Learn new skills
• Move and coordinate
• Understand, plan and organize

Indications for Neuropsychological Tests

Neuropsychological tests are necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of:

• Dementia
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Psychiatric disorders
• Neurological conditions
• Anxiety and depression
• Drug exposure

Preparation before Neuropsychological Tests

Instructions before neuropsychological tests involve:

• Do not consume alcohol the night before the test
• Relax and sleep well
• Eat a good breakfast and take prescribed medications
• Wear your glasses or hearing aids

Neuropsychological Tests Procedure

Your doctor will take your medical history and ask about your psychological symptoms. Neuropsychological tests may take 5-8 hours depending on your health condition and the complexity of the disease.  Tests can include:

Memory Test

It involves testing your short-term and long-term memory. You will be asked to remember numbers, words, sentences, etc. Your doctor distracts you for about 3-5 minutes following which you repeat the memorized words or numbers. Long-term memory testing involves recalling an important day (Example, your previous birthday) or the work skills you have learned in the past.

Motor Test

Your neuropsychologist physically examines for muscle fasciculations, tremors or any involuntary movements. You may be asked to move your limbs or walk around or insert pegs into a pegboard. Motor tests also include hearing, vision, and muscle function.

Verbal Communication Test

This test is performed for the ability to understand and comprehend written information in the form of speech. It is an important test to diagnose language disorders, communication disorders, stuttering, etc. You may be asked to read a passage of information and summarize it ensuring your words are clear and portray the proper meaning.

Cognitive Test

This test is designed to check your ‘general mental ability’ involving skills such as attention, concentration, processing speed, intellectual capacity, language, communication, etc. It involves solving simple mathematics problems, sentence completion or stating true or false to questions provided.

Neuropsychological Tests Results

The data obtained from the testing is used to evaluate your psychological condition. Your neuropsychologist discusses the results within a few days of the procedure or during your follow-up visit. Necessary treatment is initiated which may involve medications, psychotherapy, brain-stimulating treatments, etc.