Neuropsychological and Comprehensive Evaluation

When is neuropsychological or comprehensive psychological evaluation useful?

Neuropsychological evaluation is recommended for any case in which brain-based impairment in cognitive function or behavior is suspected. The following list, though not exhaustive, represents some common reasons for referral, and the questions involve diagnosis or ruling out a condition, describing the impact of a condition on cognitive functioning and daily functioning, and making recommendations for treatment, intervention, or accommodation. In many, but not all of these cases, comprehensive psychological evaluation may be appropriate rather than neuropsychological evaluation. NCMA will advise as to the best option.

  • Brain Injury (e.g., from head injury, stroke, infection, lack of oxygen)
  • Concussion- especially if there have been multiple or complicated concussions
  • Stroke, Transischemic Attacks (TIAs), and cerebrovascular disease
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ “ADD”) or apparent problems with attention, impulse control, organization, or learning, which could be caused by a variety of conditions other than ADHD
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Huntington’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia
  • Other neurodegenerative diseases
  • Brain tumors
  • Cancer and late effects of certain treatments
  • Brain infections
  • Toxic exposure (including alcohol and drug exposure prior to birth, lead, toxic chemicals, mercury, etc...)
  • Cognitive impairment in the context of alcohol or drug abuse even after sobriety is established in previously heavy users.
  • Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia or other psychiatric conditions that can involve cognitive impairment
  • Anxiety disorder versus ADHD
  • Emotional and behavior dysregulation
  • Developmental regression or delay
  • School performance problems
  • Stressors and traumatic experiences that are causing functional impairment
  • Relationship problems, including possible Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Sleep apnea or other conditions that may cause insufficient oxygen
  • Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Neurofibromatosis, Tuberous Sclerosis, hydrocephalus, agenesis of the corpus callous
  • Unexplained changes in functioning with general medical conditions having been ruled out- problems at work, in school, and/or in social or emotional functioning