Neuropsychological Tests
Neuropsychological testing (also known as neuropsychometric testing) are designed to assess a variety of brain functions, including memory, reading, comprehension, judgment, motor abilities, spatial perception and ability to process and interpret information. The tests quantitatively measure these functions, thereby demonstrating possible abnormalities of the brain.
Individuals with epilepsy occasionally report difficulties with memory, concentration, or other cognitive areas. Neuropsychological tests assess these abilities and provide information about a person's strengths and weaknesses. This offers doctors some insight into the cause and severity of seizures. These tests may help to identify the type of epilepsy an individual has, and locate the origin within the brain of the patient's seizures by determining which parts of the brain are functioning abnormally. They may be used in evaluation for surgical treatment.
Before the Exam
- Prepare a snack to bring to the test as the tests are lengthy.
- If you wear eye glasses or a hearing aid, please ensure that it is worn on the day of the test.
During the Exam
- You will be asked to do the following tasks, one at a time:
- answer questions,
- solve puzzles,
- work with objects,
- remember words and sounds.
- The tests usually last 7-8 hours.
Examples of commonly used tests:- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
- Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test: The visual test involves copying a bunch of abstract designs. This test is good at identifying organic brain damage. The motor test may involve sorting cards into different categories that the patient needs to determine, based on the feedback of the clinician.
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS): used to help test memory, and retention
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
- Rorschach Ink Blot Test
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Sentence completion
- Goodenough draw-a-person test
- Stanford-Binet intelligence Scale
After the Exam
- A neuropsychologist will interpret the results of the test and send the report to your physician.
- The physician will then make an appointment with you to discuss the results.
Personnel
Neuropscyhologist- administers the test and interprets the results.
Psychology Assistant- assists the neuropsychologist (HSC)
Doctor- receives report from neuropsychologist;
- discusses the results with the patient.
Payment
This test is covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
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