Start with the clinical question
Ask what symptom, risk, physical contributor or treatment decision is being examined. Testing without a defined question can produce incidental results and additional anxiety.
UK TESTS & INVESTIGATIONS
Cognitive, Neurological and Brain Investigations in the UK
Cognitive tests, imaging and neurophysiology can clarify selected presentations, particularly new cognitive change, seizures or neurological signs; they are not routine proof of a psychiatric diagnosis.
Reviewed 24 August 2026
Direct answer
Cognitive tests, imaging and neurophysiology can clarify selected presentations, particularly new cognitive change, seizures or neurological signs; they are not routine proof of a psychiatric diagnosis. The safest pathway begins with clinical history, functional impact, physical context and the question the result is expected to answer. Availability varies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and between NHS and independent services.
Resources in this section
Brief Cognitive Screening: 6CIT, Mini-Cog and Related ToolsDescribe short structured checks of orientation, attention and memory used to support referral and assessment.Neuropsychological Assessment: What It Can ClarifyExplain specialist testing of memory, attention, language, executive function, processing speed and effort.CT and MRI Brain Scans in Mental-Health-Related AssessmentExplain structural imaging used to investigate neurological signs, acute change or selected cognitive presentations.EEG for Episodes, Seizures and Altered AwarenessDescribe recording of electrical brain activity where epilepsy or episodic altered awareness is suspected.Lumbar Puncture and Cerebrospinal Fluid TestsExplain specialist cerebrospinal-fluid testing for selected neurological, infectious, inflammatory or dementia questions.Specialist Dementia Biomarkers: PET, SPECT and CSFOutline specialist tests sometimes used when dementia subtype remains uncertain and the answer would change management.Hearing and Vision Checks in Cognitive or Mental-Health AssessmentShow how sensory impairment can mimic, worsen or complicate communication, cognition, isolation and distress.Genetic and Pharmacogenomic Tests in Mental-Health Care: LimitsExplain why commercial panels rarely provide a definitive diagnosis or guaranteed medicine match.Memory-Clinic Assessment: What to Expect in the UKA memory-clinic pathway combines history, everyday function, cognitive assessment, physical-health review and selected investigations rather than relying on one test score.
How to use the directory
Know the test type
A questionnaire screens or measures severity; a clinical assessment integrates evidence; a laboratory or instrumental investigation answers a physical question. These roles are not interchangeable.
Plan interpretation
Reference ranges, sensitivity, specificity, timing, medicines and pre-test probability all matter. Results should be interpreted by the professional responsible for the pathway.
Related investigation pathways
Official sources
Scope, safety and urgent help
iMetaWellness provides complementary wellbeing information and reflective support. It does not diagnose a mental disorder, select investigations, interpret results as a medical opinion, prescribe treatment or replace a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, pharmacist or NHS service. A test is useful only when a qualified professional has a clear question and a plan for acting on the result.
If someone may act on suicidal thoughts, cannot remain safe, has severe confusion, new psychosis, collapse, seizure, chest pain or another immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. For urgent concerns that are not immediately life-threatening, contact NHS 111, the person’s GP, mental-health team or local crisis service.
Use this information in a responsible next step
We can help you organise observations, questions, routines and a concise summary for an appropriate professional. We do not order tests or confirm diagnoses.