Neuropsychological testing (also known as neuropsychometric testing) assesses 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 to demonstrate possible abnormalities of the brain. This may help to identify the type of epilepsy an individual has and locate the origin of the patient’s seizures.
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. They may also aid in the patient’s evaluation for surgical treatment.
Before the Exam
- Prepare a snack to bring to the test as the procedures are lengthy.
- If you wear eyeglasses or hearing aids, please continue to do so on the day of the test.
During the Exam
- The neuropsychologist will ask you to do the following tasks one at a time:
- answer questions,
- solve puzzles,
- work with objects,
- remember words and sounds.
- The tests usually last seven to eight hours.
Commonly used tests include:
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
- Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test
- The visual test involves copying a bunch of abstract designs to identify 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)
- This test helps test memory and retention.
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
- Rorschach Ink Blot Test
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Sentence completion
- Goodenough draw-a-person test (often for children under 12)
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
After the Exam
- A neuropsychologist will interpret your test results and send the report to your physician.
- The physician will then make an appointment with you to discuss the results.
Personnel
- Neuropsychologist
- 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).
