The use of neuropsychological assessment in the diagnosis of cerebral lesions

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2002-11
Authors
Schoeman, Renata
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Englishs: Certain authors emphasise that, as neuro-imaging techniques seem to be significantly superior, psychological assessment techniques have no place in neurological assessment, and that the reliability and validity of these techniques, regarding the presence and localisation of cerebral damage, are questionable. The purpose of the study was to determine the relative effectiveness of neuropsychological assessment in the diagnosis and localisation of cerebral lesions, compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An availability sample of patients was taken from patients whom neurologists and neurosurgeons had seen and who had either a normal MRI or a MRI with localised lesions. They were then assessed by means of the South African Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, the Folstein's Mini Mental State Examination, the Bender Gestalt Test, and the Grassi Block Substitution Test. The test results were interpreted blindly. The findings are discussed, shortcomings of the study mentioned and recommendations made. Neuropsychology; neuro-imaging; cerebral lesions; diagnosis; presence; lesion localization; South African Wechsler Intelligence Scale; Folstein's Mini Mental State Examination; Bender Gestalt Test; Grassi Block Substitution Test
Afrikaans: Sekere outeurs beklemtoon die superioriteit van radiologiese beeldingstegnieke bo dié van sielkundige toetse in die neurologiese evaluasie van pasiënte. Die betroubaarheid en geldigheid van sielkundige toetse rakende die diagnosering en lokalisering van breinskade word ook bevraagteken. Die doel van hierdie verkennende studie was om die effektiwiteit van neurosielkundige assessering in die diagnose en lokalisering van breinletsels met dié van die MR te vergelyk. 'n Beskikbaarheidsteekproef is getrek van pasiënte met óf 'n normale MR óf 'n MR wat dui op gelokaliseerde breinletsels. Die proefpersone is evalueer met die Suid-Afrikaanse Wechsler Intelligensieskaal vir Volwassenes, die Folstein Mini Mental State Examination, die Bender Gestaltfoets en die Grassi Blokvervangingstoets. Die toetsresultate is blind geïnterpreteer. Die bevindinge word bespreek, tekortkominge van die studie word aangetoon en aanbevelings word gemaak. Neurosielkunde; neurologiese beelding; breinletsels; diagnose; teenwoordigheid; letsel lokalisering; Suid-Afrikaanse Wechsler Intelligensie Skaal; Folstein Mini Mental State Examination; Bender Gestaltfoets; Grassi Blokvervangingstoets.
Description
Keywords
Neuropsychological tests, Brain -- Imaging, Brain -- Wounds and injuries, Dissertation (M.Soc.Sc. (Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2002
Citation