About Neuropsychological Evaluation
Let us answer some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about a Neuropsychological Evaluation.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological examination assesses how well the brain works under specific conditions (ex. remembering new information). An evaluation may uncover functional issues not revealed by a structural CT or MRI scan. It may also determine the degree of function and dysfunction stemming from known structural abnormalities. Feedback given by a neuropsychologist after testing can lead to diagnosis or information about current baseline, additional information about overall cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and treatment recommendations to improve quality of life and outcome.
Why has my doctor referred me here?
A wide range of conditions may affect neuropsychological functioning, such as:
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Neurological conditions including stroke, epilepsy, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disease processes and dementias, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
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Medical conditions such as liver disease, lupus, HIV/AIDS infection, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiac disease
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Learning and neurodevelopmental disorders (currently only assessment for Intellectual Disability is offered)
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Traumatic brain injury
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Attentional Disorders (currently not seeing in our office)
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Psychiatric conditions
What does a neuropsychological evaluation entail?
The process typically entails 3 parts:
Intake Interview: during this time, you (and with your consent, caregivers or family members) meet with the doctor and review the concerns you have or changes observed by you or other individuals. Relevant background history is gathered at this stage (medical, family, educational, etc.). This typically takes place via telehealth one week before testing.
Testing: the patient spends a half to full day (typically 2 to 6 hours) with the doctor completing tasks via paper and pencil, on a computer, or on a tablet. You will also fill out select questionnaires. It is during this time that the following abilities are evaluated (please note that the evaluation may cover all or most areas below):
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Memory
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Attention
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Processing Speed
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Executive Functioning (planning, organizing, self-monitoring, impulse control)
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Language
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Visuoperceptual
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Intelligence (IQ)
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Academic (children) / Vocational (adults)
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Motor Skills
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Emotional/Behavioral/Personality
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Adaptive Skills (independence with daily tasks)
Feedback: about 1-2 weeks after testing, the neuropsychologist provides a comprehensive report to you and any designated caregiver or family member(s). This report includes a summary of the background information provided, a review of all testing results, suspected or confirmed diagnoses, and recommendations for home, school/vocational and community-based supports.
How long is the process from start to finish?
A full evaluation typically takes 10-12 hours in total: 1-2 hours for clinical interview, 2-6 hours of testing, and 1 hour for feedback. The clinician also spends additional time scoring test results and writing the report.
What should I bring to the evaluation?
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Requested forms (if not completed online).
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Related medical records (if not previously sent) including previous neuropsychological evaluations (this is often helpful to use as a comparison across evaluations).
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Hearing aids (if needed; this is especially important as hearing issues can greatly impact testing results).
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Glasses (if needed; this is especially important as vision issues can greatly impact testing results)
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Medications (If you require medication during the day, please be sure to bring it with you given the lengthy appointment time.
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Snacks/drinks (permitted during testing breaks).