What is Neuropsychological Examination

Neuropsychological examination is a series of standardized tests that measure a person’s knowledge, thinking, language, behaviors, and memory.

The exam may be done with people who have had a brain injury or trauma, or who have a disease or condition that affects the brain. The results will help your health care provider diagnose any problems and create a treatment or rehabilitation plan.

There are several areas, or modules, to the exam. A trained examiner will administer the exam and explain how to complete each module.

Tell a health care provider about:

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any medical conditions you have, including recent injuries.
• Any other concerns or behaviors that might affect your ability to take the exam.
• Any surgeries you have had.

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking any medicines that affect your memory or ability to concentrate.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • Bringing a list of current medicines to the exam, and whether any of the medicines will affect exam results.
• Ask a family member or friend to come to the test if you have trouble remembering family history or any other details of your condition.
• Prepare any records of previous neurological testing, including CT or MRI scans, to bring to the exam.
• Get a good night’s rest before the exam.
• Eat a nutritious meal prior to the exam.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the exam.
• Let the examiner know about any other concerns or behaviors that might affect your ability to take the exam.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will arrive at an outpatient clinic or a hospital.
• You will sit at a table for most of the exam.
• You will answer questions, make choices, read and write, and complete simple tasks. You might also use a computer-guided lesson.
• Your examiner will give you the tests that are most closely related to your disease or symptoms. The exam may take several hours, depending on the areas being tested.
• You will be given breaks when needed. The exam may be split into more than one session.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

You may go home after the exam.

Summary

• A neuropsychological examination is a series of standardized tests that measure a person’s knowledge, thinking, language, behaviors, and memory. The exam may be done with people who have had a brain injury or trauma, or who have a disease or condition that affects the brain.
• The results will help your health care provider diagnose any problems and create a treatment or rehabilitation plan.
• Before the test, be sure to talk to your health care provider about any medicines you are taking, especially medicines that may affect your memory or ability to concentrate.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.