How Will
Neuropsychological Evaluation Help?
Neuropsychological
evaluation is critical for understanding which brain functions are impaired
and which remain intact. An effective evaluation can tell the
neuropsychologist how the injury specifically affects thinking and
behavior. Is the person able to concentrate on tasks? For how long? Under
what conditions? Does it matter whether the information is verbal or
nonverbal? Standard neurological or physical exams, and even neuroimaging
studies (CT scan, MRI), cannot provide this information.
Neuropsychological
evaluation may be essential to determine whether a person actually has a
brain injury. This is especially true following "mild" brain injury,
when effects of an injury may be subtle and easily confused with other
factors, such as stress, medications, or depression. Was the person's brain
really injured? How? Is impairment still evident? What is the cause of the
impairment? How do emotional or psychological factors influence performance
or concerns? Is the person's performance in the evaluation a true
reflection of how he or she will behave and think on a day-to-day basis? If
not, why not? These are the types of
diagnostic questions a neuropsychologist can answer.
Since brain
injuries often occur in motor vehicle accident or are raised in issues
regarding benefit determinations, disability, criminal matters or civil
litigation the issue of the validity of the presentation or the test
results themselves is often in question. In these contexts inclusions of
neuropsychological tests of validity help assess if the results are valid
and help to assist in the determination of the validity of the presentation
or claim.
A number of
real-life questions can be answered by neuropsychological evaluation. Is
the person who was injured competent? Can he or she be left alone? Drive?
Manage money? Live independently? Return to work or school? What type of
treatment or therapy will be needed?
Neuropsychological
evaluation is also critical in monitoring the course of recovery or the
effectiveness of rehabilitation. Is the person getting better? How much?
Has treatment been helpful?
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