What does the report include?

The report includes a description of the referral question and symptoms as described by the patient and/or significant others, a review of any available records, a review of the patient’s relevant history, test results, test summary, diagnosis(es), and treatment recommendations.


Who will see the report?

While the specifics regarding who will have access to the report vary from case to case, in general, the report will be made available to the patient and to the referring provider.  However, in most cases, the patient is able to determine specifically who has access to the report, with a few exceptions.  Who will have access to the findings of the evaluation will be discussed in detail at the outset of the initial appointment.


What will be done with the report?

The report is typically used for diagnostic clarification and treatment planning, with recommendations stemming from information provided by the test results themselves, as well as from such other sources as the interview and available records.

The feedback session will include a detailed review of the patient’s cognitive functioning in the various domains measured.  The assessments will have been scored according to what is “normal” or “typical” for an individual of the patient’s age, gender, and educational background, and the patient’s strengths and weaknesses will be outlined.  In cases in which the purpose of the evaluation is to determine the presence or absence of a specific disorder or disease process, the evidence for or against the presence of such a diagnosis will be explained.  Specific treatment recommendations will be provided, and questions from the patient and his/her significant others, if present, will be encouraged and answered.

The purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation is to describe one’s brain-behavior functioning. Depending on the referral question, this may include measuring one’s overall intelligence, language functions, attention, visual skills, motor skills, learning and memory, executive functioning, daily functioning, and psychological/emotional functioning.  A number of standardized tests are used for this purpose. The typical neuropsychological evaluation consists of the following:

Day 1:  Initial consult / Interview (with significant others present) – approximately 1 hour

Day 2:  Assessment / Testing (patient only) – approximately 6 hours

Day 3:  Feedback session (with significant others present) – approximately 1 hour Testing will include paper and pencil tasks, as well as question/answer tasks.


If you wear reading glasses, please bring them with you.  Please also bring a list of your current medications.  Also, please consider bringing a snack and drink, as well as a bag lunch if we will be working around lunchtime.  Dress comfortably and in layers.

WHAT IS NEUROPSYCHOLOGY?

Fax:  (855) 672-7002

E-mail:  griffinpsutton@gmail.com

Neuropsychological evaluations are beneficial in a number of instances.  In particular, any time the functioning of the brain is questioned, a neuropsychological evaluation can aid in determining the underlying reason(s).  The following complaints are appropriate for a referral:​


  • Attention and concentration deficits (e.g., difficulty focusing on tasks at home/school/work/etc.)
  • ​Language difficulties (e.g., forgetting commonly known words, difficulty speaking, impaired comprehension, etc.)
  • Memory and learning deficits (e.g., misplacing items, forgetting previously known information, unable to form new memories, etc.)
  • ​Visual/visuospatial difficulties (e.g., impaired perception of objects/shapes, impaired depth perception, loss of hand-eye coordination, etc.)
  • ​Frontal deficits (e.g., personality changes, impulsivity, difficulty planning steps in a sequence, etc.)
  • Affective/Mood difficulties (e.g., evaluating for and diagnosing depression, anxiety, etc.)
  • Learning deficits (e.g., difficulty retaining academic information in an age-appropriate manner)


Additionally, the following disorders/medical conditions are often appropriate for neuropsychological evaluations:

  • Aphasia syndromes (e.g., Broca's aphasia, Wernicke's aphasia, etc.)
  • Cerebrovascular disease/Stroke
  • Dementia
  • Mild cognitive impairment
  • Epilepsy/Seizures
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Other central nervous system disorders (e.g., Multiple sclerosis)
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Concussion
  • Brain tumor
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Other unexplained cognitive decline or impairment

What are some reasons to see a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a clinical psychologist holding a doctoral degree who has pursued specialized training in the practice of neuropsychology.   Broadly speaking, neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationships. The practice of neuropsychology involves the assessment of the brain’s functioning in a number of different areas.

What is a neuropsychologist?

Moving forward...What happens next?

What type of feedback will you receive?

REFERENCES:

Schoenberg, M. R., & Scott, J. G. (Eds.). (2011). ​The little black book of neuropsychology:  A syndrome-based approach. New York, NY:  Springer.


www.nanonline.org​

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

Providing Neuropsychological and Psychological Services

Tidal Neuropsychology, PLLC

Phone:  (910) 803-1434