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NeuroCare Brain & Spine Center™ - Epilepsy Center
What is Neuropsycholgical Testing's Role in Epilepsy Care?
Neuropsychological testing is used to assess cognitive abilities such as memory,
language and problem solving. The pattern of a patient’s test results can
identify strengths and weaknesses and can be used to help determine the location
of your seizure focus.
In addition, neuropsychological test results in conjunction with Wada testing
can provide additional information regarding probable cognitive outcome and
likelihood of being seizure free after surgery. A neuropsychologist will provide
feedback regarding test results approximately 2-3 weeks after the evaluation.
The neuropsychological evaluation consists of an interview with the
neuropsychologist that is followed by administration of a 5-6 hour battery of
cognitive tests. It is often beneficial to have a family member present during
the clinical interview to provide additional information regarding a patient’s
seizures.
The cognitive tests are primarily paper and pencil measures. No studying or
other preparation is required.
If a patient undergoes neurosurgery, a follow-up neuropsychological evaluation
is conducted approximately six months after surgery. This post-operative
assessment provides the patient with information about areas of cognitive change
and gives important outcome information for the epilepsy surgery program.
NeuroCare Brain and Spine Center™
(920) 288-8020
Toll-free (877) 577-5800
2845 Greenbrier Road
P.O. Box 8900
Green Bay, WI 54308-8900
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