Test of Variables of Attention
The T.O.V.A. is a Test of Variables of Attention, which is a computer program designed like a game for the accurate and reliable assessment of attention disorders. It is performed before beginning Neurotherapy so assessment of improvements can be made throughout treatment. Attention problems may be caused by a number of conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, learning problems, sleep disorders, head injuries, drug abuse, as well as excessive caffeine or nicotine.
By measuring these reactions to the program, the T.O.V.A. assists us to:
- Diagnose attention disorders with proven accuracy of 87% of normal and 90% of ADHD patients.
- Assess optimal levels of treatment protocols including the effectiveness of nutrients, medications and neurotherapy.
- Monitor attention treatment over time as the patient changes and improves.
- Assess neurological disorders and injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer’s or dementia, not just ADHD.
ADHD and Learning disorders
Below we see an image of results for an 11 year old patient diagnosed with ADHD and conduct behaviour disorder, suffering with distractibility, attention and learning difficulties. On first attempt at the T.O.V.A. prior to Neurotherapy training, the initial score was -2.35 below the range of -1.80 (more negative) indicating his score positively correlated with those diagnosed with ADHD. Following 30 sessions of Neurotherapy, the T.O.V.A. was repeated, this time returning a score of 0.50, well above the range that would indicate ADHD. In this case however, there was still improvement to be made indicated by a follow up QEEG after his first Neurotherapy treatment determining another area of brainwave retraining would be beneficial. Following the next 30 sessions of Neurotherapy, the T.O.V.A. was repeated again, this time returning a score of 1.25 indicating outstanding results for improvements in focus, attention, behaviour and learning abilities.
How does it work?
The T.O.V.A. resembles a computer game in which the patient responds to either a visual stimulus or an auditory stimulus, measuring:
- Response Time Variability
- Response Time
- Impulsivity/disinhibition
- Inattention
- Anticipatory Responses
It is a continuous performance test used by health care professionals to help in the diagnosis and treatment of attention problems in children and adults, ages 4 to 80+. The results of a T.O.V.A. test are compared to the largest available group of the same age, same gender normal individuals, and also to people with attention problems.
The T.O.V.A. measures attention during a 21.6 minute task. It records the speed, accuracy and consistency of responses to a series of squares presented in two second intervals. These measurements are then compared to the results of a large group of people of average intelligence who did not have any attention problems. The comparison determines whether the test results are “within normal range” or not. The T.O.V.A. also compares results to a large group of people diagnosed with ADHD, to help determine if deviant results may be caused by ADHD as opposed to other attention problems. The T.O.V.A. report is based on these two comparisons as well as other statistical measures.
The T.O.V.A. provides useful information about a person’s ability to accurately respond to an attention task. It is designed to support a full evaluation taken by a trained health care professional.
Combining the advanced medical testing facilities available at Advanced Wellness & Behavioural Centre such as QEEG, T.O.V.A, and functional pathology, we can assess accurately what is occurring in the brain to design a health program unique to you for the most effective treatment for your mental health condition.
