Neuropsychological Exams

Neuropsychology looks at how the health of your brain affects your thinking skills and behavior. Neuropsychology is a specialty field within psychology that involves the study of behavior to figure out how the brain is working. Neuropsychologists are very much aware that no single test is effective in diagnosing the presence or absence of concussion. The tests that are used are not effective when used in isolation, and they are not designed for that purpose. Neuropsychological tests are administered most appropriately as groups, otherwise termed test batteries.

Neuropsychological evaluation often includes at least 3 components:

a review of your medical and other records

2. an interview with you and, often, another person who knows you well (a family member, close friend, or caregiver)

3. administration of tests that measure your abilities and mood. Using these three sources of information, a neuropsychologist will provide you with a comprehensive report that summarizes relevant medical history, your evaluation results, areas where your cognitive or emotional functioning has changed, and recommendations for work, home, and family.

Neuropsychological evaluation is typically done by a clinical neuropsychologist, a psychologist with specialized training in how the brain works. A neuropsychologist uses pencil and paper tests and questionnaires to better understand how the brain is working. Most neuropsychologists meet with patients for an interview, and specially trained technicians often do the actual testing. A technician or “psychometrist” is someone with advanced training on how to administer the tests.

The results of the evaluation are normally presented in a report. A copy of the report explaining the test results will be provided to you if requested. The report will typically include: a summary of the tests you were given, a summary of important medical and personal history, current problems you are experiencing, test results, a comparison of your results to other people your age, and recommendations that will help you and your family move forward in getting better.

A Neuropsychology test is only as good as the tester, the person who interprets the results of the test, the condition of the patient and whether the patient is in a present state of injury/injured, experiencing chronic pain, or is medicated at the time of testing.

The Truth About Neuropsychological Tests by Linda Nee

October 4, 2010 by lindanee

………Although there is grave controversy surrounding the evaluation of the FBS (Fake Bad Scale), it is very possible insured’s scores can be caused by very real physical symptoms reported by treating physicians. However, it doesn’t matter since insureds will be branded as a malingerer depending on the scores resulting from this test.

According to Dorothy Sims J.D. a notable plaintiff’s attorney, “The Fake Bad Scale is too controversial and has too many psychometric problems to be valid….The scale is biased against those with legitimate brain impairment; thus, those least able to defend themselves against such charges of dishonesty are the ones most likely to be victimized by it…the scale should not be considered valid.”…………………..