Neuropsychological Testing

In this chapter, the rationale for and methods used in neuropsychological assessment of patients undergoing neurosurgery are described. The neuropsychological assessment of patients is justified for both clinical and research-driven reasons, and examples of each are provided. It is vital to appreciate the scope of services and research methods that neuropsychology can offer, and these methods are illustrated early in the chapter along with a brief description of differences between the role of a clinical neuropsychologist and cognitive neuroscientist in the neurosurgical management of patients. Intervention techniques provided by neuropsychologists are described. Complex tasks, which are often necessary to quantify an ability or deficit, are referenced. The best predictors of functional outcome after brain damage are social and executive function status and not motor or sensory disorders. Later in the chapter, the importance of quantifying performance and using neuropsychological tests to predict real-life behaviors is reviewed. A substantial proportion of the chapter is dedicated to noting how advances in cognitive neuroscience are contributing to clinicians’ ability to evaluate and intervene with patients undergoing neurosurgery. The neuropsychological assessment of cancer patients serves as an example of how the application of various neuropsychological techniques can provide valuable information for the neurosurgical team, the patient’s family, and, of course, the patient. The chapter concludes with mention of new cognitive neuroscience findings, with a particular focus on neuroplasticity, and opportunities to integrate them into the neurosurgical management of patients.