Trauma Injuries

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology merges psychology and neuroscience to better understand how the physical composition and function of the brain is linked to various psychological processes and behaviors. In other words, neuropsychologists integrate psychological observations of conduct with neurological observations of the central nervous system as well as the brain. In the mid-19th century, Paul Broca and Carl Wernicke pioneered this field when they discovered areas of the cerebral cortex involved in communication through speech production and language comprehension. Since then, significant progress has been made in terms of the connection between neuroanatomical systems and complex mental processes.

Neuropsychological evaluation

A neuropsychological evaluation utilizes a series of standardized examinations to gauge cognitive and behavioral functions. Numerous aspects of mental capacity may be tested including:

• Aptitude.
• Problem solving skills and imagination.
• Preparation and organization.
• Focus, recollection, and ability to learn.
• Language.
• Acuity and motor skills.
• Emotional, behavioral, and personality traits.

Only a licensed psychologist licensed in the field of neuropsychology is authorized to perform a neuropsychological evaluation on a patient. Their list of accomplishments must include:

• Predoctoral training in psychology and neuropsychology in addition to graduate level education in neuropsychology.
• Formal postdoctoral training with a concentration on the interdependence of behaviors and the brain and neuropsychological assessment.
• Recognition by the professional board (i.e. ABCN, ABPN) and other scholars for excellence in neuropsychological assessment and interpretation. The candidate must also pass an exam.

If a patient appears to have an irregularity in the brain that is causing abnormal cognitive function or behavior, a neuropsychological evaluation will likely be suggested. The analysis will either verify that the patient has one of the following conditions, or it will help rule them out:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Learning disability
• Attention deficit disorder
• Psychiatric or neuropsychiatric disorders
• Seizure conditions
• Other illness or disease
• Excessive drug abuse
• Dementia

Neuropsychological evaluations are especially valuable in terms of assessing healing progress following a brain injury or neurological sickness. They can also provide direction when determining educational and vocational programs in the course of treatment. These evaluations are essential to identifying disabilities and for forensic purposes as well.