2.3. Neuropsychological Assessment

A comprehensive neuropsychological exam was administered 10 months prior to surgery and 1-year postoperatively, on average. Measures of verbal memory, language, executive functioning, and visual search and motor speed were selected for outcome analysis.

The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) is a list learning task that assesses episodic verbal learning and memory. The outcome of interest was the number of words recalled following a 30-minute delay.

The Boston Naming Test (BNT) is a 60-item visual naming task. Number of items correctly named was the outcome of interest. Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT)measures speeded word generation, and number of words generated across three, 1-minute trials was the outcome of interest.

Trail Making Test, parts A and B of the trail making test (TMT A and TMT B) were used to assess visual search and motor speed [15] and executive functioning, respectively. Time in seconds to complete each part was the outcome of interest.