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Neuropsychological Assessment
Neuropsychology is a specialty field within mental health that studies
the connection and relationship between the human brain, how it thinks,
and its body. Neuropsychological evaluations typically focus on how the
brain learns, remembers, solves problems, and behaviorally expresses
itself. It is frequently part of a comprehensive medical evaluation,
which can include imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and/or EEG scans.
Neuropsychological evaluations are helpful in better understanding the
cognitive changes and difficulties associated with a wide variety of
neurological, psychiatric, and medical conditions.
Outlining strengths and weaknesses cognitive ability is important.
Results guide education and employment decisions, rehabilitation, and
decisions about disability support. Neuropsychological testing results
can also provide a baseline picture of ability, helpful in monitoring
treatment response and measuring recovery from injury.
A typical neuropsychological evaluation involves a clinical interview,
review of medical and psychiatric history, and the administration of a
comprehensive battery of tests that can take 8 hours or more. The data
is then analyzed, written into a report, and recommendations fitting the
referral questions are made. Common referral issues include the
following:
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Learning Disability & Educational Assessment
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Traumatic Brain Injury
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Sports Injuries
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Dementia & Age Associated Memory Impairment |
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