NEUROCOGNITIVE EXAMINATION
A Neurocognitive Examination (sometimes called
Neuropsychological Testing or Cognitive
Testing) is an examination of cognitive
processes, or, put more simply, an
individual’s ability to ‘think’. This type
of examination is used to determine the
changes in thought and emotion resulting
from neurological disease or trauma.
Neurocognitive Examination is often
essential in order to determine the ‘real
world’ effects of a neurological condition.
The examination is performed by a
“Neuropsychologist”, a clinician who holds a
doctorate in science and appropriate
post-doctoral training, best documented
through board certification by the American
Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.
The examination consists of three segments. First, the
patient’s medical history and the details of
their present symptoms are determined. Then,
he or she is asked to complete a series of
tasks which elicit the patient’s store of
information, ability to pay attention,
ability to use language, perceptual skill,
memory, motor function and emotional tone.
Finally, the patient may be asked to fill
out various self-report measures, usually a
personality test. This provides objective
information about their emotional state.
These examinations require approximately one or two
hours of interview time, three hours of
testing time and perhaps one hour more to
complete self-report measures. Most patients
find this time goes by quickly, and often
find the tests interesting. Test components
are completely painless and non-invasive.
Respect holds a high-priority at our
Laboratory. Patients are always afforded the
utmost dignity and consideration.
