How to Explain a Neuropsychological Evaluation

There are a variety of reasons for your patient to need a neuropsychological evaluation. They may be exhibiting behaviors you cannot explain, or experiencing previously undiagnosed neurological symptoms. Some neuropsychological tests are optional, helpful in a differential diagnosis, while standards of practice require these evaluations in other instances. For example, you must order a neuropsychological evaluation for all your patients considering deep brain stimulation surgical procedures for treatment of Parkinson's and other movement and psychiatric conditions, according to Cleveland Clinic. Whatever the reason for this test, you need to explain a neuropsychological evaluation in such a way that your patient feels calm and comfortable.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain basic neuropsychology to the patient. Give an overview of the relationship between the brain and behavior. Explain how the central nervous system, and diseases to this system, affect behavioral and cognitive abilities. Assure the patient that a neuropsychological evaluation is a paper-and-pencil type of test, rather than a painful medical procedure.

• 2

  Tell the patient what you will measure. The evaluation will assess several factors, including intelligence, attention, memory and language skills. The tester may focus evaluation features according to the specific patient complaint or differential diagnosis.

• 3

  Discuss the reasons for neuropsychological evaluations. A physician may order a neuropsychological evaluation to determine if movement disorders, depression or some other condition is the cause behind a patient's mental and behavioral changes. A surgeon may request a neuropsychological test for patients after neurosurgical procedures. These tests are useful in monitoring a patient's disease progress and the effectiveness of treatment.

• 4

  Tell the patient what to expect, including how long the evaluation is expected to take and if there are any special preparations. Instruct the patient to get a good night's sleep and to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test. The patient should bring a list of current medications and another list of any previous neuro-diagnostic testing, such as MRIs or CT scans of the brain -- or prior neuropsychological evaluations. . If the patient is unable to accurately recall family history, a family member should write down pertinent information ahead of the appointment.

• 5

  A neuropsychologist will interview the patient and family members separately. The interview takes one to one and a half hours. A neuropsychology technician will administer tests measuring memory, concentration, verbal and visual abilities. This part of the test usually lasts three to four hours.

• 6

  Assure the patient that there is no passing or failing grade for a neuropsychological evaluation. Neuropsychological tests are standardized, according to the University of North Carolina, which means they are given in the same manner to all patients and scored on the same criteria.