INS Dictionary of Neuropsychology

Book excerpt: This dictionary, sponsored by the International Neuropsychological Society, is a practical resource for neuropsychologists, neurologists, speech pathologists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and occupational therapists whose work or research involves patients with nervous system disorders. It will also be valuable for students of neuropsychology and related disciplines. The book provides concise definitions of neurobehavioral abnormalities, diseases affecting the nervous system, clinical syndromes, neuropsychological tests, rehabilitation methods, medical procedures, basic neuroscience and other important terms. Its broad scope not only encompasses the approaches, perspectives, and practice settings of neuropsychology, but also extends to the related disciplines of neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neurophysiology, neurology, neuropsychiatry, and experimental and cognitive psychology. In addition to definitions, the dictionary includes other relevant information: abbreviations and acronyms that appear in medical charts and in clinical literature, the terms' origins to illustrate how concepts developed, and biographical information on figures who have influenced the understanding of syndromes, diseases, and anatomy.