NEUROPSYCHOLOGY & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE

C J Long


CONTENTS

Series Overview
Predoctoral Training
The UM Program
References

PHYSIOLOGICAL

Introduction
Neuron
Supporting Cells
Resting Potential
Action Potential
Synaptic Connections
Techniques
Organizational Plan
Pharmacology
Neural Coding
Vision
Audition
Somatosensory
Thalamus
Cortex
Brain Mechanisms & Movement
Reflexes & Reflex Integration
Cerebellum
Activation
Sleep
Attention
Emotion
Theories of Emotion
Homeostasis
Memory
Learning
Disorders of CNS

NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

Intro. to Neuropsyc.
History of Neuropsyc.
Brain-Behavior Summary
Brain-Behavior Detailed
Cerebrum Review

NEUROPATHOLOGY

Neuropathology
Neurological Exam
Neoplastic Processes
Vascular Disorders
Traumatic Brain Injury
Infectious Diseases
Dementia

ISSUES

Overview of Issues
Localization?
1CHP&WOL doc
2CHP&WOL DOC
Connectionistic
Hierarchical Systems
Qualitative vs Quantitative
Battery vs Individualized
Frontal Lobe Function
Temporal Lobe Function
Parietal Lobe Function
Occipital Lobe Function

ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Assessment Approach
Eval. Sequence
Hisory: Outline
History for TBI

Mental Status
Test Reviews
General Screening Devices
Test Batteries
Localization
Dysfunction
Age Norms for HRB
Report Outline
Sample Report
Misconceptions

THE DATA BASE

Information Source
Demographics
Test Behavior
History
Situational Factors
Neuropsychological Data
Etiology

DECISION STRATEGIES

DEV-PLAN.DOC
DEC-NAN.DOC
DEC-III.DOC
DECIS-91.DOC
CRITERIA.DOC
Computational Models
Hartlage.doc

ASSESSMENT ISSUES

DISABILI.DOC
DVR.DOC
DVR-S.DOC
DVR.DOC

TREATMENT

WEB SITES

REFERENCES

Bulletin Board

NP HOME

CJ's HOME

 

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL REPORT OUTLINE

Charles J. Long Ph.D.

Outline of Topics

    Conclusions and Recommendations

    History

    Behavior

    Tests Administered

    Summary of Test Findings


NEUROPSYCHOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB

Dept. of Psychology, Suite 126
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152

Charles J. Long Ph.D., ABPN(901)678-3036 --- (901)678-2821
NeuropsychologistFax Number: (901)678-2692

Confidential Neuropsychological Report

Name:________X_________Referred By: _________________
Test Date:_________________Date of Injury: _________________
DOB:_________________Report Date: _________________
Age:_________________Request: Neuropsychological Assessment
Dominant Hand:_________________Medication: _________________
Occupation:_________________ Marital Status: _________________
Neuropsych Tech:_________________File I.D. No. _________________
TOP

Conclusions and Recommendations:

The results of the neuropsychological assessment place performance within the _________________ range of cerebral functioning. A profile analysis indicates that the weakness is lateralized (or generalized) [explain].

Focal characteristics If present. NOTE: this raises a flag for neurosurgeons so don't make a point of focal characteristics unless it is clearly justified.

Reaction time testing indicates that _________________X's speed of processing is ________________.

Intellectual assessment with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised (WAIS-R) reveals that _________X________ is currently functioning within the _________________ range of intelligence, with _________________ significant discrepancy between verbal and performance abilities.

Memory assessment reveals that _________X_______ is functioning within the _________________ range for short-term memory abilities. Memory consolidation tasks indicated long-term memory abilities in the _________________ range. ________X______ was able to recall % of the material he had learned previously.

Results of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) are similar to a profile of individuals who _________________

Situational factors:Explain significant situational factors that might have influenced the neuropsychological performance.

As a result of the above information gained from a full day of neuropsychological testing and from background information provided by _________________ , the following conclusions are made:

    (1) ..General conclusions regarding cognitive functioning.

    (2) Consistency with presence symptoms.

    (3) Duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) is normally used as a measure of severity of head trauma.

    Recovery
    Minimal1-5 min1 month
    very mild5-60 min1 month
    Mild1-24 hrs1-3 months
    Moderate1-7 days 3-11months
    Severe8-28 days11-24 months
    Very Severe>29 days>24 months
    (4) Emotional factors.

    (5) Relationship of above factors to symptoms.

    (6) Prioritize organic, emotional, and situational factors with regard to importance.

    (7) Describe interactions of the above.

    (8) Relationship fo test findings to predictions of work/school performance.

    (9) When an individual has a slower than expected recovery rate identify barriers to recovery.

In view of the test findings, history, and test behaviors, it is believed that further treatment should involve several steps as outlined below:

Referral:

TOP
    Prioritize treatment strategies.

    Adjust to what is available and practical.

Records Reviewed:

Summary of History:

(name...age...race...sex) who was referred for neuropsychological testing by

The reason for the referral is to determine current level of functioning.

The following background information was provided by________________

Nature, time of onset, and course of symptoms

previous medical history

previous psychological history

environmental factors: social support, job description, academic level, available resources, stresses and/or barriers to recovery

Summary of Test-Taking Behavior:

________________X's appearance was appropriate for the testing situation

.Fine and gross motor movements (physical disabilities)

There was no indication of speech defects; ________X_________ was able to respond to questions and express _________________ own thoughts both logically and with clarity.

No problems with comprehension were apparent; instructions were grasped quickly, and few repetitions were required.

Attention and concentration.... attitude and motivation During the day-long testing session, ________________X 's personal presentation was one _________________

of...._________________ ....(attitude) friendly and cooperative

__X__ appeared to answer all questions openly and honestly

He seemed to give best efforts on all tasks.

For the above reasns, it is believed that ________X________ performed to the best of their ability during the entire testing and that the test findings represent a valid estimate of their current level of functioning. (If not, qualify and relate problems to performance).

TOP

Procedures Administered:

    Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised (WAIS-R)
    Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)
    WMS Delayed Recall (logical, visual, associates)
    Psychosensory Exam
    Speech Perception Test
    Seashore Rhythm Test
    Psychomotor Exam
    Trails A,B,C
    Tactual Performance Test (TPT)
    Thurstone Word Fluency
    Aphasia Screening Test Simple Reaction Time
    Choice Reaction Time
    Cornell Medical Index
    Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Test (MMPI)
TOP

Summary of Test Findings:

Psychosensory: The results of the psychosensory evaluation revealed the presence of no significant tactile, visual, or auditory deficits. On a finger recognition task, performed within the average range. On the Graphesthesia task (which required the identification of numbers traced on the fingertips), also performed within the range. Performance on a test requiring the discrimination of phonic sounds was within the range. Discrimination of rhythm patterns was also in the range.

Psychomotor: Tapping speed was in the _________________ range, grip strength was in the _________________ range. performance on tests assessing psychomotor speed and eye-hand coordination was in range.

Perceptual-Motor: Perceptual motor evaluation required the tracking of numbers, letters, and numbers and letters in alteration. These tasks assess psychomotor speed as well as eye-hand coordination. _________________ performance tracking numbers was in the _________________ range. Integrative: On the Tactual Performance Task, _________________ was required to place differently shaped wooden blocks into their appropriate spaces on a board while blindfolded. This complex integrative task required psychomotor skill as well as tactual and kinesthetic perception. On this task, performed within the range. Memory for the shapes of blocks was within the range and memory for their location on the board was in the _________________ range.

Reaction time:

Language: Basic language functioning was assessed with the Thurstone Word Fluency Test which required to generate as many words as possible falling within certain constraints (e.g., "S" words). On this task, performance _________________

On the aphasia screening task,

Intellectual: Intellectual assessment with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised (WAIS-R) revealed that _________________ is currently functioning within the _________________ range of intelligence, with _________________ significant discrepancy between verbal and performance abilities.

Memory: Memory assessment reveals that _________________ short-term memory functioning is within the range. Memory consolidation, assessed in a one-hour-delayed recall of previously learned information, reveals long-term memory in the range. _________________ was able to recall % of the material had learned previously.

Personality: Results of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) are similar to a profile of individuals who _________________

significant amount of emotional distress.

Endorsed items relate to

strategies foe coping with stress; effectiveness of strategies.

relationship of emotional factors to symptoms and test performance

Thank you for allowing us to evaluate this interesting case. _____________X's data will be maintained in our files for your future reference.

Charles J. Long, Ph.D. Neuropsychologist


Additional Considerations for Report Organization

Conclusions and Recommendations:

    General Summary of Test Findings:
    Brief summary of IQ, Memory, higher cortical functions, emotional adjustment, and situational factors.
    Higher cortical functions.
    Degree of lateralization
    Focal Characteristics
    Acuteness
    Nature of dysfunction
    Neurological Implications:
    If appropriate, relate findings to cerebral functioning.

Conclusions:

    Discussion of the relationship of above factors to symptoms.
    Prioritize Organic, Emotional, & Situational factors with regard to importance.
    Relationship of test findings to predications of work/school performance.

Recommendations:

    Outline needs & recommendations for further diagnostics and/or treatments.
    Try to list numerically, the treatment recommendations in order of priority.

Sources of Data:

Reason for Referral:

    Give reason for referral if known.

Summary of History:

    Symptoms:
    Prioratize & discuss specific symptoms with regard to nature, time of onset & course.
    Outline previous medical history.
    Outline previous psychological history.
    Outline possible genetic factors.
    Environmental Factors: Discuss relevant environmental factors such as social support, job description, academic level, available resources, stresses and/or barriers to recovery.

Summary of Test-Taking Behavior:


    Description of behavior in testing situation
    (specific test behavior that influenced test performance or interpretation).
    Describe attention, concentration, activity, attitude, motivation, language, behavior and dress. In general try to clearly document the verbal and motor behavior of the patient.
    Reliability of Test Data Obtained:
    See Behavioral Observation Section

Before writing do the following:

    1. Make sure that name and date are on each sheet.
    2. Double check all scoring.
    TOP