Adult Neurology Residency

Adult Neurology Residency

Neuropsychology

Introduction

Neuropsychology is an applied science concerned with the study of brain-behavior relationships. The neuropsychologist utilizes tests of known reliability and validity to objectively measure the integrity of cerebral functions. Understanding the available test measures in discrete cognitive domains (intelligence, language , perception/construction, learning and memory, executive function) and the proper use of neuropsychological testing should be incorporated into the resident’s daily practice (e.g., mental status examinations, dementia rating scales, geriatric depression scales). This rotation is an elective that is one month in duration and typically taken during the PGY-4 year.

Goals

The main goal of the rotation is to acquire an understanding of brain-behavior relationships, the range and diversity of available tests, available test batteries for specific neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia), the proper use of neuropsychological testing, and the different roles of a clinical neuropsychologist. Duties will include accompanying and assisting Dr. Jones and her colleagues in the daily clinical activities of a neuropsychologist including interviewing patients, administering, scoring, and interpreting neuropsychological test and providing feedback to patients, residents, and attending staff. Also addressed will be the use of neuropsychological tests in clinical research.

Objectives and Evaluation Matrix

As with all of the neurology rotations, the specific objectives are reflected in the entrustable professional activities and individual milestones listed below. These form the basis for the end-of-rotation evaluation. (Please see the section End-of-Rotation Evaluations above for the list of milestone abbreviations).

Rotation Objectives
Upon completion of the curriculum, residents will . . .
#DescriptionMilestones
1Describe the neuropsychological tests available to assess specific cognitive domainsMK1, MK2
2Describe the attenuated test batteries available for specific neurological disorders (e.g., MS, stroke, epilepsy)MK1, MK2
3Use neuropsychological test results to localize cerebral dysfunctionMK1, MK2
4Use neuropsychological test results to render a differential diagnosis for neurocognitive disordersPC3, PC12, MK1, MK2
5Counsel patients and their families regarding their diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment optionsSP3, SP4, PR1, IC1
6Describe the components of a neuropsychological test reportIC3, IC4
7Explain the health care system constraints pertinent to neuropsychological evaluationSP4

Schedule

Residents will attend the neuropsychology clinic daily. They will participate in administering of tests to patients and review results with technicians and staff. If time allows, residents are encouraged to undergo testing themselves during the rotation in order to understand the patient’s perspective of the testing.

Residents will attend all regularly scheduled conferences and didactics.

Work Hours

The estimated average number of work hours per week is 40-50. There is no call responsibility during this rotation.

Suggested References

Lezak, M. D., Howieson, D. B., Bigler, E. D., & Tranel, D. (2012). Neuropsychological assessment. New York: Oxford University Press.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/abs/neuropsychology-of-multiple-sclerosis-looking-back-and-moving-forward/31BB5E45E6F07F6C4784BD47C09E8850

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/abs/paradigm-shifts-in-the-neuropsychology-of-epilepsy/24422E9772C6B7A453DA4ACE25423D8E

https://academic.oup.com/acn/article/32/4/491/3065330?login=true

https://academic.oup.com/acn/article/32/7/810/4560105?login=true

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/abs/neuropsychology-of-traumatic-brain-injury-looking-back-peering-ahead/3B71BB3D3CB9DBBF35FE23AECA24A27C

 

Latest revision: 07-14-2021