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Neurocognitive testing - Results

Alternative Names

Mental status exam; Mental status tests

Normal Values:

The most commonly used test, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) or Folstein test, is scored from 0 to 30. The test is also divided up into sections, each one with its own smaller score. These results may help show which part of someone's thinking and memory may be affected.

What abnormal results mean:

A number of conditions or problems can affect mental status:

Alcohol intoxication
Certain drugs and medications
Encephalopathy, either chronic or acute
Head trauma or concussion
Many psychiatric conditions
Many neurologic conditions
Withdrawal from narcotics and barbiturates

See the following for a complete list of causes and treatments:

Reviewed last on: 3/9/2010
Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Snyderman D, Rovner B. Mental status exam in primary care: a review. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80:809-814.

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