Neuropsychological testing is like a checkup for your brain. It’s a series of puzzles, questions, and tasks designed to see how well your brain is working. During the testing, you might be asked to remember lists of words, solve problems, draw pictures, or do other activities that test different ways of thinking. Results from these tests give your doctor a better understanding of the relationship between your brain health, behavior, mood, and thought processes. Neuropsychological testing also helps doctors identify any areas where you might be struggling. For example, these tests can be used to figure out what might be causing problems with memory, attention, language, or other cognitive skills.

Sometimes referred to as a neuropsychological evaluation or psych evaluation, neuropsychological testing is a tool for understanding your brain and finding ways to support your cognitive well-being. Neuropsychological testing may be used with other diagnostic procedures such as neuroimaging, laboratory tests, and clinical interviews to provide a thorough understanding of your brain function and behavior.

Neuropsychological testing is typically performed by neuropsychologists with specialized training in assessing brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists at Penn Medicine are among the leading providers in the greater Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Princeton areas who are experts in performing these types of tests, providing follow-up care, and delivering support. 

Your Penn Medicine provider may recommend neuropsychological testing if you’ve experienced difficulties with behavior, cognitive functions, or emotions that may be related to brain dysfunction. These evaluations can help diagnose or determine treatment for: 

• Developmental conditions like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or learning disabilities
• Exposure to poisons, chemicals, or pollution that can cause brain damage
• Learning difficulties at school or work because of attention, memory, or language problems
• Memory issues or dementia
• Neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease
• Psychiatric conditions like anxiety or depression
• Stroke
• Substance use disorders
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from an accident, fall, or sports injury 

If you’re having trouble with multitasking, problem-solving, or remembering things, neuropsychological testing might help figure out the cause. Our specialists use the latest technologies and up-to-date testing approaches to give you answers and improve your overall well-being. Talk with you

Your doctor will explain how the testing is done and give you time to ask questions. In addition, your care team will review your medications with you, discuss your health history, and let you know how to prepare to ensure you’re ready for the assessment. For example:

• Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs before the testing, as they can impair cognitive function and affect the accuracy of the results.
• Get enough sleep the night before the testing to ensure you’re well-rested and alert.
• Eat a nutritious and filling meal before you arrive at your appointment.
• Bring any necessary testing supplies, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, or assistive devices.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to help manage stress and anxiety.
• Be prepared for the evaluation to last several hours.

During neuropsychological testing, you’ll undergo a series of assessments, questionnaires, and standardized tasks that target various ways of thinking, including:

• Concentration
• Executive functioning like time management and problem-solving
• General intelligence
• Information processing
• Language use and understanding
• Memory
• Mood
• Motor skills
• Personality
• Reading comprehension
• Reasoning
• Visual and spatial awareness

There will be pencil-and-paper tests, computer-based tasks, and sometimes real-world simulations. You may be asked to answer verbal prompts, draw pictures, solve puzzles, or write a few sentences. There are no right or wrong answers to these tests. The goal is to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.

Recovery from neuropsychological testing is typically straightforward and doesn’t involve any specific post-assessment procedures. After completing the testing session, you can typically resume your normal activities immediately. Some people may feel mentally fatigued or emotionally drained after the assessment, especially if it was lengthy or challenging. If you feel tired afterward, be sure to prioritize self-care and allow yourself time to rest and recharge as needed.

Depending on the assessment's purpose and the neuropsychologist's recommendations, you may have a follow-up appointment to discuss the testing results and any recommendations for treatment or further evaluation. It’s important to attend this appointment and address any questions or concerns you may have.

At Penn Medicine, our mission is to find the right treatment to relieve your symptoms. We’re dedicated to guiding you through every phase of your medical journey to make sure you get the highest level of care and support every step of the way.