Dear cpmomcat: I’ve addressed each of your 4 questions separately.
Question 1: What tests comprise a neuro-psych evaluation?
For a detailed list of tests commonly used in a neuropsychological
examination see: http://www.brainsource.com/nptests.htm
Major neuropsychological tests
(http://codesign.scu.edu/johnp/3604lec2.html)
According to John Pina, Ph.D. of Santa Clara Univeristy (SCU), the
major neuropsychological tests used today are:
1. Wechsler Scales (1939) – WAIS , WISC, WMS, WPPSI (Preschool and
Primary Scale of Intelligence
 WAIS III (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III): Consists of
13 separate tests to measure memory, knowledge, problem solving,
calculation, abstract thinking, spatial orientation, planning, and
speed of mental processing. The battery of tests takes about one hour
or more to complete and measures intelligence levels as well yielding
implications for different neurofunctional domains.
 WISC III (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III):
Similar to the WAIS for adults, this battery of tests measures similar
domains in children.
 WMS III(Wechsler Memory Scale III): Consists of 18 separate
tests that yield information about memory and learning processes. The
battery of tests takes about one or more to complete and provides a
comprehensive assessment of memory. Summary of memory indices are
provided in addition to the individual test scores and the WMS III is
normally used in conjunction with the WAIS III.
 WPPSI-R (Preschool and Primary Scale of
Intelligence-Revised): Consists of a battery of tests for 3-7 year
olds that measures intellectual functioning. The tests have two
parts—the Verbal Scale and the Performance Scale. Each scale consists
of a battery of tests. The Verbal Scale measures language expression,
comprehension, listening, and the ability to apply these skills to
solving problems. The Performance Scale assesses nonverbal problem
solving, perceptual organisation, speed, and visual-motor proficiency.
For detailed information, please visit:
http://www.nswagtc.org.au/info/identification/WPPSIR.html
Each of the Wechsler scales reports three IQ scores: (1) Verbal IQ,
(2) Performance IQ, and (3) Full Scale IQ. For a summary of Wechsler
Intelligence Scales please visit:
http://www.findarticles.com/g2602/0005/2602000560/p1/article.jhtml
2. Stanford-Binet Intelligence scales: Consists of 15 separated tests
that assesses intelligence and cognitive abilities in children and
adults aged two to 23. The Fifth (newest) Edition covers five major
factors: Reasoning, Knowledge, Working Memory, Visual, and
Quantitative, as well as the ability to compare verbal and nonverbal
performance. Areas covered include vocabulary, comprehension, verbal
absurdities, pattern analysis, matrices, paper folding and cutting,
copying, quantitative, number series, equation building, memory for
sentences, memory for digits, memory for objects, and bead memory.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/stanford-
binet_intelligence_scales.html
3. Kaufman assessment batteries (K-ABC): Consists of a battery of
tests for children aged 2 ½ - 12 ½ years old. The tests emphasize
mental processing and provide an estimate of overall ability (Mental
Processing Composite), as well composite measures of Simultaneous and
Sequential Processing. The Kaufman-ABC has a nonverbal scale as well
as an achievement section. The Kaufman-ABC has been examined in a
number of different populations including speech-language impaired
children. The Kaufman assessment batteries appear to correlate
well with standard verbal intelligence tests such as the WPPSI-R and
Stanford Binet. For more information, please visit:
http://www.priory.com/psych/assessyoung.htm
Question 2: What is the intention of this evaluation?
According to brainsource.com, “Neuropsych evaluations are used to aid
in diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and mental
conditions. Evaluations consist of scientifically validated objective
tests to evaluate brain functions and more importantly, to link brain
functions with behavior and (in some cases) disease (such as
Parkinson’s). Neuropsych tests can measure, assess, and offer
remedial solutions of behavior and cognitive changes resulting from
central nervous system disease or injury. For more details, please
visit:
http://www.brainsource.com/nptests.htm
Question 3: When is this evaluation advisable?
Some of this is covered in the above text. Evaluation is advisable
when an injury or illness that affects cognitive function and/or
behavior arises. People seeking treatment of movement disorders (such
as Parkinson’s) undergo neuropsych evaluations both before and after
surgery to determine whether the person is likely to benefit from
surgery and can undergo surgery safely. After surgery, neuropsych
evaluations are used to determine the extent of improvement (such as
quality of life and mental functions).
According to the University of Kansas Medical Center,
“Neuropsychological evaluation helps to determine patterns of
strengths and weaknesses among the brain's “higher” functions such as
intelligence, problem solving, language, memory, visual perception,
and emotional regulation. An evaluation of this patterns of strengths
and weaknesses can help:
 To assist in differential diagnosis of which disease process
is affecting the brain
 Provide a baseline so that repeat testing later on can reveal
if brain functions are, for example, worsening due to disease or
improving with treatment
 Indicate whether a person might benefit from certain
treatments and rehabilitation (e.g., from speech therapy)
 Reveal areas of daily functioning that a person may require
assistance with.”
Above quotation from: http://www.kumc.edu/parkinson/nptest.html
Question 4: Are these tests ever inadvisable?
I haven’t found any information that indicates that there are any
circumstances where the tests are inadvisable. However, there are
precautions and guidelines that should be followed to achieve maximal
results. For example, the Gale Encyclopedia cautions; “Although the
Stanford-Binet was developed for children as young as two, examiners
should be cautious in using the test to screen very young children for
developmental delays or disabilities. The test cannot be used to
diagnose mental retardation in children aged three and under, and the
scoring design may not detect developmental problems in preschool-age
children” (Ford-Martin,
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/stanford-binet_intelligence_scales.htm).
In many cases, neuropsych tests are given in conjunction with
neuroimaging (CT, MRI, EEG, and PET scans), which results in a more
comprehensive overall picture. According to John Pina, Ph.D. of Santa
Clara Univeristy (SCU):
Pros of neuropsych vs. neuroimaging:
 neuropsych allows for measurement of subtle brain changes
 direct measures can't tell us anything about brain function
or severity of impairment
 neuropsych tests are ideal for longitudinal analysis -
formal, objective tests to quantify change over time
Cons:
 most neuropsych tests are based on theory, which cannot
compete with visual evidence of neuroimaging
 neuroimaging techniques do not require such a "leap of
inference"
 therefore, choice of method may rely on disorder of interest
(Citation above from http://codesign.scu.edu/johnp/3604lec2.html).
I hope this is helpful to you. If you need anything else, just let me
know.
Warmest regards,
Barbara |
