Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment

After an injury or illness affecting the brain, patients are often referred by their physicians for a neuropsychological evaluation. Common reasons for referral include traumatic brain injury, concussion, epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. For older adults, neuropsychological evaluation is particularly useful in distinguishing normal age-related cognitive changes from early dementia.

What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation typically includes three components:

1. Medical Record Review — The neuropsychologist reviews relevant medical records, imaging results, and prior evaluations to understand the patient’s clinical history.
2. Clinical Interview — A structured interview with the patient and, when available, a family member, caregiver, or other collateral informant. This covers current symptoms, daily functioning, medical history, and specific cognitive and behavioral concerns.
3. Standardized Cognitive and Psychological Testing — Administration of norm-referenced tests designed to measure cognitive abilities across multiple domains:
   • Verbal and visual memory
   • Attention and concentration
   • Processing speed
   • Language functioning
   • Executive functioning (planning, organization, problem-solving, abstraction)
   • Visuospatial and visuoconstructional abilities
   • Mood, personality, and psychiatric symptom measures

Testing also assesses functional abilities — the capacity to manage finances, medications, daily household tasks, and independent living.

What You Will Receive

Following the evaluation, the neuropsychologist prepares a written report that includes:

• A summary of relevant medical and developmental history
• Test results with interpretation relative to age- and education-adjusted norms
• Diagnostic impressions
• Areas of cognitive strength and weakness
• Recommendations for treatment, rehabilitation, accommodations, and follow-up care
• Guidance for the patient’s family, employers, and treatment team

This report is provided to the referring physician or attorney and, upon request, to the patient and their family.

Common Referral Questions

Neuropsychological evaluations at NSG address referral questions including:

• Is this dementia, depression, or normal aging?
• What is the cognitive impact of a traumatic brain injury or concussion?
• Is the patient safe to live independently, manage finances, or drive?
• Does the patient have a learning disability or ADHD?
• What cognitive changes have occurred since a stroke, surgery, or new medication?
• Is the patient competent to make medical or legal decisions?

Who Should Be Referred

• Patients with suspected or diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion
• Patients with epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Patients with neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, multiple sclerosis)
• Older adults with memory complaints or functional decline
• Patients with suspected ADHD, learning disabilities, or developmental disorders
• Pre-surgical and post-surgical neurology and neurosurgery patients
• Patients with psychiatric conditions affecting cognitive functioning

To schedule a neuropsychological evaluation or discuss a referral, call (888) 606-0086 or fax referral documentation to (346) 223-0296.