Neuropsychological testing and survey forms to indicate possible loss of neurological functioning

Thirty spina bifida-hydrocephalic patients susceptible to changes in intracranial pressure and/or in spinal cord involvement underwent systematic surveillance of neurological, neuropsychological and behavioural status for up to two years. Behavioural status was monitored monthly through survey forms completed by direct caretakers while a neuropsychological battery was administered every three months. Patients were also followed in a Spina Bifida Clinic and definitive diagnosis of neurological change was determined through standard medical techniques. Analysis of results indicate that behavioural changes are often observed by direct caretakers and neurologists without occurrence of definitive neurological change. In contrast, the neuropsychological assessment revealed a group of reproducible measures that remain stable during periods of non-definitive neurological change. The neuropsychological measures provide quantitative information on the subjects' neurological function. This information can be used for comparison purposes after a period of stable neurological functioning has occurred.