Do neurologists or neurosurgeons perform neuropsychological tests?
No. Only specifically trained psychologists who specialize in neuropsychology (the study of brain and behavior relationships) are qualified to administer and interpret neuropsychological tests. Neurologists and neurosurgeons often administer a variety of mental status procedures but these are neither standardized nor sensitive enough to detect subtle dysfunction (especially of mild traumatic brain injury) that can be revealed on objective neuropsychological tests. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuropsychiatrists are medical doctors who rely on physical procedures and trained observation for diagnosis, and medical/surgical techniques for treatment. Neuropsychologists are clinical psychologists who, through the use of standardized behavioral assessments, seek to understand the complex interactions of psychological and biological components that produce dysfunctional behavior. 10. Can a neuropsychological examination differentiate acquired from pre-existing problems, and differentiate
