Neuropsychological Assessment Lecture Notes

What branch of medicine focuses on the nervous system and its disorders?

Neurology

What is the branch of psychology that focuses on the relationship between brain functioning and behavior?

Neuropsychology

Define neuropsychological assessment.

The evaluation of brain and nervous system functioning as it relates to behavior.

What are the subspecialty areas within neuropsychology?

Pediatric neuropsychology, geriatric neuropsychology, forensic neuropsychology, and school neuropsychology.

What does the term 'contralateral control' refer to?

Each cerebral hemisphere receives sensory information from and controls motor responses on the opposite side of the body.

What is the corpus callosum?

A structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

Which hemisphere of the brain is typically dominant for language responsibilities?

The left hemisphere.

What are the primary functions of the frontal lobes?

Ordering information, sorting out stimuli, and problem-solving abilities.

What might damage to the occipital lobes result in?

Deficits in visual perception and object recognition.

What functions does the thalamus serve?

Acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

What role does the hypothalamus play in the nervous system?

Regulates bodily functions such as temperature, hunger, and emotional responses.

What might damage to the cerebellum result in?

Problems with balance, coordination, and fine motor control.

Define a 'lesion' in a neurological context.

A pathological alteration of tissue, which can be due to injury or infection.

How can neurological damage be classified?

Focal (localized) or diffuse (scattered across various sites).

What is amnesia?

Loss of memory.

What does the term 'organicity' refer to in neuropsychology?

Impairments resulting from identifiable physical damage to the brain.

What kind of signs may indicate the need for a thorough neuropsychological examination?

Hard signs indicate definite neurological deficits while soft signs are suggestive and less definite.

What is a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)?

A clinical tool used to screen for cognitive impairment.

What are some common reasons for referrals to neuropsychologists?

Brain injuries, cognitive decline due to dementia, and neurological diseases.

What is the primary objective of a neuropsychological evaluation?

To draw inferences about a person’s brain based on their behaviors.

What kind of tests do neuropsychologists typically begin with?

A history-taking interview and a mental status examination.

Define perceptual-motor test.

Tests that evaluate the coordination of perceptual and motor skills.

What does the Controlled Word Association Test measure?

It measures verbal fluency.

What is the Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test used for?

To assess perceptual maturation and neurological impairment.

What are the functions of procedural memory?

Memory for skills and actions, such as riding a bike or driving.

What distinguishes semantic from episodic memory?

Semantic memory is for facts while episodic memory is for context-specific experiences.

What is the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery?

A comprehensive test battery designed to assess the presence of organic brain damage.

What is the significance of genetics in neuropsychological assessment?

Genetics can provide insights into neuropsychological functions and conditions.

What technologies are prominent in the assessment of neurological conditions?

fMRI, CT scans, PET scans, and EEGs.

What is a 'hard sign' in the context of neurological assessments?

An indicator of definite neurological deficit.

What are some conditions that may prompt neuropsychological evaluation?

Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, brain injury from trauma.

What is dementia?

A neurological disorder characterized by deficits in cognitive functions.

What is a clock-drawing test used to assess?

It assesses executive function and visual-spatial abilities.

What is involved in a neurological evaluation for Alzheimer's disease?

Interviewing the patient, administering cognitive tests, and reviewing case history.

What is the role of neuropsychologists in rehabilitation?

To assess the extent of behavioral impairment and guide effective interventions.

What is the Tower of Hanoi test used to measure?

It is used to assess executive functioning.

What is implicit memory?

Memory that is not consciously accessible but can influence thoughts and behavior.

What does the term 'focal lesion' refer to?

A localized area of injury or abnormality in the brain.

Why is understanding neuroanatomy crucial for neuropsychologists?

It aids in interpreting assessment data and understanding brain–behavior relationships.

What is the goal of using neuropsychological assessments in medical settings?

To improve understanding and treatment of neurological problems.

What are soft signs in a neurological assessment?

Indicators that suggest neurological deficits but are less definitive than hard signs.

What might a neuropsychologist consider during an evaluation?

Patient history, current symptoms, and results from previous assessments.

How might physical examinations play a role in neuropsychological assessments?

They can identify additional neurological concerns not evident through behavioral tests.

What ethical considerations may arise in neuropsychological assessments?

Confidentiality, informed consent, and the use of data for treatment.

What is the purpose of a neuropsychological test battery?

To comprehensively evaluate various aspects of a patient's cognitive functioning.

Describe an example of how neuropsychological assessments can aid in legal contexts.

They can provide insights into a defendant's mental state or competency.