A neuropsychological evaluation is an in-depth assessment of skills and abilities linked to brain function. The purpose is to define a client’s specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses and measures areas such as attention, problem solving, memory, language, IQ, visual-spatial skills, academic skills and social-emotional functioning.

If, for example, you have suffered a stroke or sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident or at work, a neuropsychological assessment can assist with identifying difficulties in your cognitive functioning that might impact your ability to return to your job or to driving or to study.

Patients with the following conditions or needs can benefit from neuropsychological treatment:

• Acquired brain injury (for example stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain infections, toxic encephalopathy, brain tumour or hypoxia).
• Degenerative disease (for example Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis).
• Medical conditions affecting central nervous system function (for example cardiovascular disease).
• Psychiatric conditions with a high risk of neurological or organic involvement (for example chronic alcoholism or schizophrenia).
• Cognitive problems (for example forgetfulness or language problems) that impair daily functioning but where the cause is unknown.
• Identification and description of cognitive abilities in preparation for neurosurgery, including post-surgical testing.

Please bring any relevant reports or records about your medical or psychological background (for example lists of medications and neuroimaging reports). Please bring reading glasses and hearing aids if needed. A comprehensive assessment can be tiring. Breaks are given when needed. You should bring something to eat and drink with you to your assessment appointment.

Written and verbal feedback is tailored to the needs of the patient and the referral source. Typically, a comprehensive report summarising the findings, including recommendations for further management of problems and the likely consequences of the patient’s difficulties in daily functioning is prepared for the referring physician. A face-to-face feedback session with the patient and family is also generally offered, where a report can be provided and the results will be explained in relation to the presented concerns.