A neuropsychologist assesses how a person’s thinking and behavior has changed as a result of their brain injury. Areas of assessment include memory, attention, reasoning, focus and concentration, decision making, impulsivity, communication, comprehension, insight/orientation, and other cognitive skills. The assessment helps the neuropsychologist understand and describe what abilities have been affected the most by the brain injury. From there, a treatment plan can be developed by the neuropsychologist and rehabilitation team.

 

Treatment may involve participation in rehabilitation therapies including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, as well as neuropsychology. These therapies help a person gradually restore functioning in key areas of their life post-injury. During treatment, the neuropsychologist will provide psychological counseling to support the patient socially and emotionally and assist them in adapting to the changes that they may face during the recovery period. The neuropsychologist will also provide cognitive rehabilitation therapy to improve areas of thinking that have been affected by the injury. The neuropsychologist may also recommend that the patient receive adjunct treatment outside of the physical rehabilitation setting, including: psychiatry, pain management, neuro-ophthalmology or neuro-optometry, and driving evaluations.

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Results will be ready in 2-3 weeks

A neuropsychologist is a professional who specializes in understanding how the brain and its abilities are affected by neurological injury or illness. Neuropsychological testing is conducted in a rehabilitation setting to characterize the nature of the impairments associated  with a neurological injury in order to provide appropriate treatment recommendations.

Testing typical evaluates cognitive skills including intellectual functioning, attention, learning and memory, reasoning and problem-solving, visuospatial skills, and language, as well as mood and personality.
 

What to expect during your Neuropsychological Evaluation?

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• Testing will last 8 hours with breaks as needed

• Lunch will be provided

• You will participate in various activities including providing a history of your health and injury, solving puzzles, and answering questions on paper and pencil tests

 

What should I expect on the day of the testing?
 

You will first meet with the neuropsychologist for an interview to discuss your current symptoms, recovery so far, and your treatment history. You will also be asked to provide information regarding your medical, psychological, and educational history.

 

After the interview, you will complete testing for approximately 4-6 hours, although some patients take longer. During testing, you will be asked to answer questions, complete puzzles, remember information, and respond to questions on a computer. You will be given breaks.

 

Afterward, your tests will be scored and the scores will be compared to those of other people the same age and level of education.
 

What is a Neuropsychological Report?
 

After the testing, the neuropsychologist writes a detailed report with testing results and diagnostic conclusions. Information will be provided in the report on your strengths, weaknesses, and your emotional well-being in the context of your neurological injury or illness. The report will include recommendations for treatment, such as therapy with rehabilitation professionals. The report will usually be sent to you and your referring doctor. A feedback session will be scheduled with the neuropsychologist to discuss your results and treatment recommendations.