Measuring brain and mind
Neuropsychological testing evaluates problems in brain functioning. Unlike CT or MRI scans, which show what the structure of the brain looks like, neuropsychological testing examines how well the brain is working when it performs certain functions (for example, learning or remembering). Testing can help us make a diagnosis and plan treatment. The types of tests that you will take depend upon the questions you and your doctor have. (The tests are not invasive and do not involve any X-rays or electronic machines.)
The tests may assess the following areas:
- reasoning and problem solving
- visual-spatial functions
- language functions
- motor functions
- planning, organization and executive functions
- academic skills
- personality and emotional functioning
I will discuss the results with you. I will make recommendations regarding treatment. I will send a detailed written report to your doctor, with your permission.
What is a neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist specialized in the area of brain-behavior relationships. The neuropsychologist works with emotional and psychological issues, just as typical psychologists do, but the neuropsychologist also has specialized education in brain anatomy, brain function, and brain injury or disease. As part of the required education, the neuropsychologist has years of practical experience working in medical settings with people who have problems involving the brain. The neuropsychologist uses this expertise to understand how brain problems affect behavior and thinking. The neuropsychologist is the professional best qualified to answer questions about the intersection of brain and mind, biology and identity.
I am board certified in clinical neuropsychology and I am a member of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.
What will the results tell us?
Neuropsychological evaluation is useful for diagnosing certain medical conditions that affect brain functioning. I will work with your physician, and we will combine the results of testing with information from your medical history and medical tests (such as MRI and blood tests) to reach a diagnosis. The evaluation helps doctors plan treatment and helps you set appropriate goals. After evaluation, if illness is causing loss of abilities or change in your sense of identity, counseling can help with the adjustment.
For your child or teenager:
Testing can help us understand problems in a child’s school performance, development or behavior. A neuropsychological evaluation may be needed to accurately diagnose and treat certain developmental and neurological disorders and identify your child’s specific strengths and weaknesses. For example, testing can tell whether underachievement is due to a learning disability, ADHD, emotional factors or low motivation.
I will send a detailed written report to your child’s doctor and a copy to you. If you wish, you can provide the report to your child’s school to guide teachers, determine eligibility for special education, and help your child achieve his or her potential.
Conditions appropriate for neuropsychological evaluation…
- Head injury
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Hypoxic brain injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Adult ADD
Children and Teens
- Learning disabilities
- ADD and ADHD
- Asperger’s disorder