Neuropsychological Testing

Purposes of Neuropsych Testing

Determination of brain damage

Localization of brain lesions

Determination of functional consequences of brain injury

(Educational testing)

Some Conditions That Cause Neurological Damage

Head trauma Vascular disorders Degenerative disorders Toxic conditions Infections Neoplasms Anoxia

Common Cognitive Functions Assessed

Attention Memory Visual-spatial abilities Psychomotor speed Planning/sequencing Abstract reasoning Language (expressive

and receptive) Cognitive flexibility Lateral differences

Approaches to Neuropsych Testing

Standardized batteries Luria-Nebraska

Neuropsychological Battery

Halstead-Reitan Battery Individualized batteries

Often includes an IQ test Specific tests

Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychogical Battery

Allows for testing of limits

Emphasis on optimal performance

279 items, across 12 scales

Produces a coded profile, which is then interpreted

Item analysis within scales

Halstead-Reitan Battery

A longer test, more standardized

Halstead category test Tactual test Rhythm test Speech-sounds

perception test Finger oscillation test (Trail-making test) (WAIS and MMPI)

Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test(Bender Gestalt)

An older test, frequently used by psychologists who are not neuropsychologists

Serves as a projective as well

Errors include:perseverationrotationdistortion of shapefailure of integration

Wechsler Memory Scale

Assesses several kinds of memory fairly quickly

Subtests:Information and orientationMental controlFigural memoryLogical memoryVisual paired associatesVerbal paired associatesVisual reproductionDigit span