Neuropsychological Assessment and Evaluation
The University of Washington Regional Epilepsy Center Neuropsychology Lab at Harborview Medical Center is taking referrals for outpatient neuropsychological assessments. Referrals may only be made by a treating health care professional.
What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive ability using a set of standardized tests and procedures. The patient’s performance is compared to an age and education matched normative group in order to quantify cognitive impairment. Various mental functions are systematically tested, including, but not limited to:
- Intelligence
- Problem solving, Planning and Organization
- Attention
- Memory and Learning
- Language Skills
- Visual spatial skills and Perception
- Fine motor abilities
- Emotional and behavioral disturbance
When is a Neuropsychological Evaluation helpful?
A neuropsychological evaluation is recommended whenever brain-based impairment in cognitive function is suspected. Typical referrals are made when there is a need to describe the impact of neurological damage on a person's cognitive abilities and everyday functioning. In particular, neuropsychological assessment is often helpful for the following conditions:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain Tumors
- Strokes
- Seizure disorders
- Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson’s dementia)
- Medical illness or treatments with known or suspected impact on cognition
Neuropsychological assessment can also determine the severity of self-reported memory or other cognitive complaints when a diagnosis is unclear. It is sensitive to subtle cognitive changes even in high functioning individuals. It is also helpful to obtain baseline cognitive performances prior to undergoing procedures with possible negative cognitive effects, such as brain surgery, so that a direct assessment of change can occur afterwards.
What is involved in a Neuropsychological Assessment?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves a wide variety of tasks, mostly pencil-and-paper tasks which are done sitting at a table. There are no invasive procedures. The evaluation typically takes 6 to 8 hours of face-to-face contact, including a clinical interview, but can vary depending on what information is being sought. The evaluation is typically scheduled in a single day. The results will be communicated to the referring provider within 2 weeks of the assessment.
How will the test results be used?
This depends on the reason for the evaluation. Neuropsychological evaluations may:
- Confirm or clarify a diagnosis.
- Provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses to guide rehabilitation, educational, vocational, or other services.
- Determine readiness to return to work or school from a cognitive standpoint.
- Determine the impact of possible emotional distress on the individual’s presentation.
- Document changes in functioning since prior examinations, including the effects of treatment.
- Determine if there has been any decline in cognitive ability from a previously higher level.
- Suggest effective compensatory strategies.
- Suggest referrals to other specialists for additional medical work-up or treatment.
Who Are We?
The Neuropsychology Laboratory has two full time neuropsychologists. We have experience in assessing patients with a wide range of neurological and medical conditions.
Please contact our service with any questions regarding Neuropsychological Assessment and our ability to meet your needs. Please see the attached referral form. If there are logistical questions about making referrals to our service, please contact our patient care coordinator Carol Breitenbach at (206) 744-2105.