OverviewHow epilepsy affects children.What is neuropsychology?Neuropsychology is a specialty field that joins the medical fields of neurology, psychology and psychiatry. Neuropsychology involves determining how well the brain is working when it is disrupted by a brain injury or psychological disorder. A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive test of a wide range of mental functions including behavior. Show
What mental functions are assessed in a neuropsychological exam?If you are undergoing a neuropsychological assessment, the mental functions tested include:
Why has a neuropsychological assessment been requested?A neuropsychological assessment can be requested for a number of reasons including:
How will I know if my cognitive abilities have changed if I have not had an exam in the past?Some cognitive abilities tend to be very stable despite neurologic illnesses or injuries. Those abilities often provide an estimate of the level of your other cognitive abilities if no injury or illness had occurred. Your results will be compared to the pattern of results associated with various illnesses or injuries to help determine if changes have occurred. What common complaints might signal the need for a neuropsychological test?See your healthcare professional for a referral for a neuropsychological assessment if you or a loved one show any of the following signs:
Test DetailsWhat does a neuropsychological exam involve?The neuropsychologist will talk with you to understand any concerns you and your family members might have about your cognitive (mental) functioning. He or she will also review your medical and psychological history and educational background. If a family member comes to the evaluation with you, the neuropsychologist may ask for your permission to interview him or her as well. Your neuropsychologist will choose the tests that you are given. The tests are given and scored by a trained technician called a psychometrist who works under the supervision of the neuropsychologist. The tests typically involve writing or drawing, solving puzzles or answering questions, and responding to things presented on a computer. Most people find some of the tests to be quite easy and others to be difficult. It is important to work as hard as possible on all of the tests in order for the results to be most informative. You will also complete questionnaires about mood and psychological symptoms. Parents of children referred for neuropsychological examinations often complete questionnaires about their child’s behavior. Finally, the neuropsychologist writes a report that summarizes the results and includes recommendations for improving cognition (e.g., attention, memory) and possibly referrals to other professionals. How long does a neuropsychological exam take?The length of time for testing varies considerably based on the nature of the reason for the examination. Depending on the situation, testing can take anywhere between one and eight hours, although two to four hours is typical. The testing time depends on which tests need to be administered and how quickly you are able to work comfortably. You will be allowed to take some breaks depending on how you are feeling and the length of the test. What should I do to prepare for the neuropsychological examination?
Results and Follow-UpHow are test results interpreted?Most of the tests used in neuropsychology are standardized, which means they are given the same way to everybody. The tests are also norm-referenced, which means that a patient’s performance on those tests will be compared to the performance of other people who are about the same age and, sometimes, people who have the same educational background. The test results are used to answer many types of questions. Additional DetailsWhat type of medical conditions might change cognitive functions?Many neurologic conditions can result in changes in cognitive function. Some include:
Many non-neurologic conditions and their treatments can also effect cognitive function, particularly when they are advanced or severe. Some include diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, digestive system, and endocrine systems, as well as some cancers. Does insurance cover a neuropsychological testing?Insurance coverage varies greatly, depending on individual insurance plans. Some portion of the assessment is usually covered. If you have any concerns about insurance coverage, please check with your insurance company. If you want to check with your insurance company before the evaluation, you will need to let them know the following CPT (procedure) codes:
How do I find a neuropsychologist?Typically, your family physician or medical specialist will refer you to a neuropsychologist. What is the initial step in performing a mental status examination?Mental status examination evaluates different areas of cognitive function. The examiner must first establish that patients are attentive—eg, by assessing their level of attention while the history is taken or by asking them to immediately repeat 3 words.
Which criteria would the nurse use to assess the mental status of a patient?Routine assessment of a patient's mental status by registered nurses includes evaluating their level of consciousness, as well as their overall appearance, general behavior, affect and mood, general speech, and cognitive performance.
What is the initial step in performing a mental status examination quizlet?What is the initial step in performing a mental status examination? Select the question that tests the patient's capacity for abstract reasoning. Which behavior is an example of apraxia? How does the nurse test for recent memory in an adult?
Which would the nurse assess when using the mental status assessment at a glance quizlet?1. During an examination, the nurse can assess mental status by which activity? Mental status cannot be scrutinized directly like the characteristics of skin or heart sounds. Its functioning is inferred through assessment of an individual's behaviors, such as consciousness, language, mood and affect, and other aspects.
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