deliriumA disruption of consciousness often
caused by exposure to toxins.
difference scoresA method for interpreting
neuropsychological test data that focuses on the
difference between a patient’sscoresontwo
separate tests. Difference scores above a certain
level are suggestive of impairment.
equipotentialityThe notion that the cortex
functions as a whole and that all areas of the brain
contribute equally to overall intellectual func-
tioning. On the basis of this perspective, when one
area of cortex is damaged, the functions of that
area may be assumed by another area of cortex.
frontal lobesThe most recently developed part of
the human brain. The frontal lobes are associated
with executive functions such as formulating,
planning, and carrying out goal-directed behavior,
monitoring and controlling behavior, and mod-
ulating emotions.
functional modelA theory that integrates the
localization-of-function and equipotentiality per-
spectives. This theory holds that any behavior is due
to the interaction of several brain systems and that
the nature of a behavioral deficit will depend on
which functional system is affected as well as the
localization of damage within that functional system.
Halstead-Reitan batteryThe most widely used
neuropsychological test battery. The Halstead-
Reitan consists of several measures and is used to
provide data about specific deficits, the probable
localization of lesions, and whether lesions appear
to be of gradual or sudden onset. Although the
reliability and validity of this battery have been
supported, a significant disadvantage is the time
required for administration.
Houston ConferenceA conference on clinical
neuropsychology training that convened in Sep-
tember 1997. As a result of this conference, specific
guidelines were offered for the graduate training,
predoctoral internship, and postdoctoral training
of future clinical neuropsychologists.
lacerationsCuts, tears, or ruptures. Lacerations of
brain tissue may occur when the skull has been
breached by a bullet or other object.
left hemisphereThe hemisphere of the brain that
controls the right side of the body and for most
people is more involved in the language functions,
logical inference, and detail analysis.
localization of functionThe idea that certain
portions of the brain are responsible for specific
functions or behaviors.
Luria-Nebraska batteryAneuropsychological
test battery that assesses abilities over 11 subtest
groupings. Studies have supported the reliability
and diagnostic validity of the battery, which takes
less time to administer than the Halstead-Reitan.
neurodiagnostic proceduresProcedures (e.g.,
spinal taps, CAT scans, and functional MRIs) for
detecting the presence and location of brain
damage. These procedures vary in their expense,
their sensitivity, their invasiveness, and the risk
they pose to the patient.
neuropsychological assessmentThe assessment
of brain functioning based on a person’sperfor-
mance on noninvasive, standardized tests that are
believed to be accurate and sensitive indicators of
brain–behavior relationships.
neuropsychologyThe study of the relation-
ship between brain function and behavior.
Neuropsychologists study, assess, and/or treat
behaviors directly related to the functioning of
the brain.
occipital lobesThe portion of the cortex
involved with visual processing and some aspects
of visually mediated memory.
occlusionsBlockages in blood vessels caused by
clots. The vessels serving particular areas of the
brain may become occluded, resulting in one type
of“stroke.”
parietal lobesThe portion of the cortex related
to tactile and kinesthetic perception and under-
standing, spatial perception, and some language
comprehension and processing.
pathognomonicIndicative of a specific disease or
condition. One method for interpreting neuro-
psychological test data notes and draws inferences
about pathognomonic signs.NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 537