Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology Tools

Neuropsychological tests are used for the purpose of associating a particular neurocognitive process with how well a patient completes a task. Most of these tests are standardized, so they have been tried on control groups prior to being used on an individual basis. The information collected during standardization is called normative data. Once this data has been assessed, it is used as a comparison tool by which individual cases can be measured. The following are examples of neuropsychological tests:

• Weschler Adult Memory Scale (WMS)
• Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
• Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
• Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery
• Boston Naming Test
• Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
• Benton Visual Retention Test
• Controlled Oral Word Association

Brain scans are used to evaluate the brain's structure or function. Their highly defined images can help determine the severity of a brain injury. Brain scans are also capable of displaying brain activity across various regions of the brain. Brain scan options include Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which output functional data. Structural data can be compiled using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Axial Tomography (CAT).

Electrophysiological measures quantify brain activity by gauging the magnetic field emitted by the nervous system. Examples of these are Electroencephalography (EEG) and Magneto-encephalography (MEG).

Computer-generated tests analyze reaction time and accuracy of specific cognitive tasks that are assumed to be coupled with certain neurocognitive processes. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) is an example of one these designed experimental tasks.