At Chicagoland Neuropsychology, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to testing. Every brain is different, and so are the challenges people face after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or when noticing memory or thinking changes. That’s why we design each neuropsychological evaluation based on your specific needs. The combination—or “battery”—of tests we use is thoughtfully chosen to reflect your concerns, medical history, and the patterns we observe during your initial consultation. This article will describe the types of tests used in an evaluation for neurologic disorders such as stroke, TBI, dementia and genetic disorders. Learn more about the types of tests used for evaluating diagnoses such as ADHD, Autism, depression and anxiety.
Even though we can’t tell you exactly what tests you’ll take before we meet with you, we know that many people are curious—and even a little nervous—about what testing involves. That’s why we like to offer a general overview here. After your first one-hour virtual meeting with your doctor, they will be able to tell you what to expect. During that conversation, we’ll walk you through the kinds of tests we’re considering, how long the evaluation will take, and—just as importantly—how we make sure you understand the instructions, feel comfortable, and aren’t overwhelmed.
Neuropsychological evaluations can feel intimidating at first, but we’re here to make the process clear, supportive, and even empowering.
What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a specialized, in-depth assessment of how your brain is functioning. It looks at memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and more—all with the goal of identifying strengths, challenges, and ways to support your cognitive and emotional health.
These evaluations are often recommended when someone experiences:
- Memory or thinking problems that may be signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Changes in cognitive function after a stroke
- Lingering effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Confusion, disorientation, or personality changes related to neurological illness or surgery
- Questions about returning to work, driving, or independent living
The purpose is not just to provide a diagnosis but to understand how your brain is working and what supports might improve your daily life.
Types of Tests Used in a Neuropsychological Evaluation
Because your evaluation is tailored to your specific concerns, not everyone will complete the same tests. But here are the common categories we often include—and what they help us understand.
General Cognitive Ability Tests
Purpose: Establish a baseline of your overall intellectual and cognitive functioning.
- Intelligence Tests: Evaluate reasoning, problem-solving, and general mental abilities.
- Examples: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Processing Speed and Attention Tests: Assess how quickly and accurately you take in and respond to information.
- Examples: Trail Making Test, Continuous Performance Test (CPT)
These are often useful in determining whether your thinking changes are typical for your age—or part of a neurological condition.
Memory and Learning Tests
Purpose: Understand how you learn new information and how well you remember it later.
- Verbal Memory Tests: Test your ability to recall spoken words or stories.
- Examples: California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)
- Visual Memory Tests: Evaluate how well you remember visual details and spatial layouts.
- Examples: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Benton Visual Retention Test
Memory testing is especially helpful when assessing for dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or the effects of brain injury.
Executive Functioning and Problem-Solving Tests
Purpose: Measure higher-level thinking skills like planning, flexibility, and self-control.
- Cognitive Flexibility and Planning: Look at how well you can shift strategies, plan ahead, or adapt to new information.
- Examples: Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Tower of London Test
- Inhibition and Self-Control: Assess your ability to stop impulsive responses or ignore distractions.
- Example: Stroop Color-Word Test
Executive functioning difficulties are common after frontal lobe injuries or in conditions like vascular dementia.
Language and Communication Tests
Purpose: Evaluate how well you understand and use language.
- Verbal Fluency Tests: Measure how easily you can find and say words.
- Examples: Boston Naming Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test
- Comprehension and Expression Tests: Test your understanding of spoken language and your ability to express yourself.
- Examples: Token Test, Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination
Language assessments are especially important after strokes or when there’s concern about progressive language disorders.
Motor and Sensory Functioning Tests
Purpose: Identify physical coordination issues or problems with sensory input.
- Fine Motor Coordination: Tests how well your hands and fingers work together.
- Example: Grooved Pegboard Test
- Sensory Processing Assessments: Evaluate how you perceive and respond to tactile or visual stimuli.
- Often included as part of broader neurological assessment
These tests can help locate damage from stroke, injury, or degenerative disease in specific brain areas.
Emotional and Psychological Assessments
Purpose: Explore how your emotional well-being may interact with your cognitive symptoms.
- Personality and Mood Questionnaires: Identify patterns in emotional functioning that may impact cognition.
- Example: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
- Depression and Anxiety Scales: Measure mood symptoms that may be contributing to memory or concentration problems.
- Examples: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)
Anxiety and depression can mimic or worsen cognitive symptoms—so understanding your emotional state is an essential part of the picture.
How These Tests Work Together
Each test gives us one piece of the puzzle. When we combine the results, we start to see a fuller picture of how your brain is working. For example, if memory is poor but attention and language are strong, that might suggest one type of condition. But if multiple areas are affected in a certain pattern, it could point toward a stroke-related syndrome, a degenerative disease, or something else entirely.
Your doctor will explain your results in plain language and answer any questions you have, so you leave with both answers and a sense of what can be done next.
The Value of a Neuropsychological Evaluation
More than just a list of scores, a neuropsychological evaluation gives you insight. It can:
- Clarify whether symptoms reflect normal aging, dementia, TBI, or other neurological conditions
- Support decisions about independent living, driving, or returning to work
- Guide medical treatment and therapy recommendations
- Provide reassurance and direction for you and your loved ones
We understand that undergoing this kind of testing can feel overwhelming. That’s why we focus on making sure you’re informed, comfortable, and supported every step of the way. From the very first conversation to the final feedback session, your care is our priority.
If you’re noticing changes in thinking, memory, or behavior—or recovering from a neurological event—we’re here to help you find clarity and a path forward.
Contact Chicagoland Neuropsychology today to schedule your initial consultation.
Dr. Colin Brietzke is a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist with specialized expertise in understanding the connection between brain functioning and behavior. He provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations that offer clear diagnoses and practical, actionable recommendations. His training includes master’s degrees in forensic and clinical psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus in neuropsychology, along with experience in community mental health, PTSD treatment, forensic settings, and outpatient neuropsychology.
