6.1 Neuropsychological exmanination

Question 1

What is necessary for a neuropsychological examination to be effective ?

Answer 1

• eliciting the desire for information

- not raising the level of stress - patients should be less stressed when leaving

Question 2

What are the reasons why aNP examination takes place ?

Answer 2

• usually a referral, sometimes the person themselves
• Observed cognitive or behavioral problems that may be linked to brain impairment
• additional questions may appear in the course of the examination

Question 3

What are the different parts of a NP examination ?

Answer 3

• Interview
• Tests
• Follow-up consultation

Question 4

What is the interview useful for ?

Answer 4

1. The exminer explains the nature and substance of the examination
2. He learns what the patient expects
3. History of the problems
4. Check if there are problems that cause hinder examination
5. Other : reassurance of confidentiality, patient’s life habits, payment issues, answer questions

Question 5

What is assessed in the test part and how ?

Answer 5

• The objective is to obtain an overview of the patient’s cognitive status for each major faculty
• In addition, selected tests depending on each patient unique assessment needs

Question 6

What other factors determine testing procedures ?

Answer 6

• the patient’s condition (tired, pain)
• if the patient is upset, change the order to alternate disagreeable tests with others where the patient succeeds
• also adapt to restless or inattentive patients

Question 7

What is the follow-up for ?

Answer 7

• Review of findings and recommendations offered

- Most important purpose : assess whether the patient can benefit from rehabilitation

Question 8

In which cases can rehabilitation be helpful ?

Answer 8

• acute disorders, such as traumatic brain injury or stroke
• can also be used now for deteriorating disorders such as dementia or an inoperable tumor, for example compensatory techniques to improve attentiveness or behavioral self-control