Neuropsychological evaluation refers to the process where a qualified clinician collects information using different sources of evaluations to analyze and determine if there are neurological reasons that an individual may pose a challenge in activities such as work, behavior, school, or social relationships. The evaluation is a comprehensive way to explore anything that keeps someone from experiencing success; it provides specific and individualized recommendations for how an individual can learn to function at a higher level.
Top 6 concerns that may signal the consideration for a neuropsychological test?
- An unexplained change in personality, increase in anxiety or depression, development of delusions or hallucinations.
- Visuospatial difficulties, including difficulty drawing or using a map.
- Language difficulty. Difficulty speaking or finding words or cannot understand what others say.
- Poor attention and concentration. Doesn't appear to listen. Gets confused in conversation and in repeating stories.
- Frequently loses items, gets lost easily.
- Poor judgment/decision-making.
Neuropsychological testing is to determine a person's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Your doctor may order tests if you have had a neurological injury, like a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. This will determine what cognitive functions have changed and in what way they have changed. Neuropsychological testing also is used to establish a baseline for surgical treatment to see if cognitive abilities were affected by an intervention. The test results identify cognitive abilities and focus on individuals' rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury. The evaluation results can provide a plan for making decisions and adjustments to school, work, and life schedules to focus on the individual's most important skills.
A broad array of cognitive abilities are assessed in a complete neuropsychological evaluation. The patient will be tested on adaptive functioning, emotional functioning, social perception, math, writing, reading, executive functioning, attention, sensorimotor skills, fine motor, language, memory, speed processing, visual reasoning, verbal reasoning, and visual-spatial skills. The evaluation can serve to identify the readiness to return to work, school or other life activities. Such evaluations address weaknesses and strengths and a person's mental ability to perform major life roles.
If you have recently suffered a head injury or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor or neurologist for an evaluation of your condition.
North Suffolk Neurology is a full-service Neurology, Headache Medicine, and Sleep Medicine practice consisting of dedicated, experienced staff committed to helping our patients and their families maintain and improve their health. For all in-office appointments & inquiries, please call (631) 364-9119. You can also schedule a telehealth appointment by calling (631) 886-4571.
