Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty profession that can assess brain functioning by objectively testing memory and other thinking skills. A clinical neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with additional training in how behavior and cognitive skills are related to brain structures and systems. A comprehensive assessment of cognitive abilities is performed, and the resulting pattern of strengths and weaknesses is used to assist in medical decisions, such as diagnosis and treatment planning. Examples of treatment include but are not limited to cognitive rehabilitation, behavior management, and psychotherapy.

Neuropsychological test results will help your physician develop a treatment plan. Your referring physician will receive a copy of the report. If there are other healthcare providers to whom you would like the report sent, we are happy to do so after a release of information form is completed.

• Insurance Cards

• ID

• List of your medications

• Hearing aids

• Glasses

• Signed paperwork (we mail it out ahead of time to you)

• Any other paperwork that we have asked you to bring in (for example, previous neuropsychological reports, school accommodation forms, IEPs, or a Workman's Compensation letter)

• Snack or a lunch (our office does not have a cafeteria)

The appointment involves three parts. The first part is an interview where the doctor will gather information about your history, including current concerns, medical conditions, education, and past employment. The second part involves testing with our trained technician as well as completion of self-report questionnaires and usually lasts a few hours. Finally, the third part will be a feedback session during which the doctor will explain the results of the testing,a give a diagnosis if one is appropriate, discuss recommendations based on the results, and answer any questions you may have.

Neuropsychological testing is made up mostly of verbal questioning and paper and pencil tests. There may be some computer tests, as well. Some tests are like puzzles. All the tests are designed to measure different aspects of brain functioning. There is no fasting required, no bloodwork, and no scans involved. Our technician will be with you throughout testing, and you are able to take breaks as needed.

A neuropsychological evaluation may involve assessment of the following: intelligence, higher-level executive skills (e.g., sequencing, reasoning, problem solving), attention and concentration, learning and memory, language functions, visual–spatial skills (e.g., perception), academic skills, motor and sensory skills, as well as mood symptoms. The testing is comprehensive, meaning many areas are assessed rather than focusing on only one cognitive domain.

Your test scores will be compared to scores from people who are like you in important ways. By using database scores from large groups of healthy people for comparison, the neuropsychologist can judge whether or not your scores are normal for your age and educational background. The pattern of your own test scores will also be reviewed to estimate whether or not there has been a change in certain abilities. How you go about solving the various problems and answering questions during the examination will also be noted. Using these methods, your strengths and weaknesses can be identified.

The doctor will write a report based on the results from the testing. This report will be available about 1-2 weeks after testing. You’ll come back in and the doctor will go over that report with you and give you a copy. We will also send a copy to your referring physician.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver with you to first part of the appointment, as they may be able to provide helpful information during the interview. The testing session involves only the patient and the technician. Anyone who accompanies you is welcome to remain in our lobby or leave and return when the appointment is completed. If the patient is younger than 18, a parent or guardian must remain in the waiting room while testing is conducted.

If an MRI of the brain has been ordered by your physician, it is beneficial to have this completed before neuropsychological testing. However, this is not necessary.

None of our doctors prescribe medication. Your physician is the most informed and qualified individual for this, though our doctors may encourage you to ask your physician about certain medications based on findings from the test results. For example, if dementia is diagnosed, we may suggest the patient to speak to his or her physician about certain medications indicated for this condition. However, your physician can determine if those medications are appropriate for you.

Test results can be used to understand your situation in several ways.

• Testing can identify weaknesses in specific areas, as it is sensitive to cognitive changes that might not be obvious. For example, testing can help determine whether memory changes are due to normal age-related changes or if they reflect a neurological disorder.

• Testing might also be used to identify problems related to medical conditions that can affect memory and thinking, such as diabetes, metabolic or infectious diseases, or stroke.

• Test results can also be used to help differentiate among illnesses, which is important in order to determine appropriate treatment. Different illnesses result in different patterns of strengths and weaknesses on testing. Therefore, the results can be helpful in determining which areas of the brain might be involved and what illness might be present. Your physician will use this along with other information to develop a detailed treatment plan.

• Testing can also be used to establish a “baseline,” or document a person’s skills before there is any problem. In this way, later changes can be objectively measured.

• Test results can be used to plan treatments that best utilize an individual’s strengths in order to compensate for any measured weaknesses. The results help to identify what target problems to address and which strategies to use. For example, the results can help to plan and monitor rehabilitation or to follow the recovery of skills after a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Research studies suggest that scores on specific tests relate to everyday functional skills, such as managing money, making informed healthcare decisions, or readiness to return to work. Your results will help your doctors in treatment planning and assisting you.

• Test results can be used as documentation and guidance for students who qualify for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, or other types of academic accommodations.