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Evaluation
What is the Purpose of a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation provides comprehensive
assessment of patients in whom impairments of cognitive or neuropsychiatric
functioning are evident or suspected. Assessment involves a systematic
evaluation of higher cognitive abilities in order to identify possible problems
with brain functioning, help lead to a diagnosis, define strengths and
weaknesses, and make treatment recommendations.
A wide range of conditions may affect neuropsychological functioning, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Neurological conditions including stroke, epilepsy, brain tumors, multiple
sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
- Medical conditions such as liver disease, Lupus, HIV infection, or cardiac
disease
- Learning and Developmental Disorders
- Attention-Deficit Disorders
- Various psychiatric conditions
- Suspected memory problems or dementia
A neuropsychological evaluation may contribute to decisions about:
- Rehabilitation issues
- Ability to return to work
- Ability to function independently
- Tracking of changes in functioning over time
- Educational and vocational planning
- What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves testing that is
sensitive to 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,
remmebering). These functions or tasks form the necessary building blocks of
successful living in the individual’s daily life. Impairment in many of these
functions may exist because of brain abnormalities that cannot be detected on CT
or MRI scans. Therefore, neuropsychological assessment is a procedure with a
unique purpose; it can be used to reveal or diagnose brain dysfunction when no
structural brain abnormalities can be seen. Furthermore, when structural
abnormalities have been found, neuropsychological assessment provides a way to
determine what functions may be impaired because of the structural defects, and
to determine the degree to which they may be impaired.
What tests are used?
The types of tests that you will take depend upon the
questions you and your doctor have. The test may assess the following areas:
attention and memory, reasoning and problem-solving, visual-spatial functions,
language functions, sensory-perceptual functions, motor functions, academic
skills, and emotional functioning.
The tests are not invasive; that is, they do not involve
attaching you to machines or using X-rays. Most of the test will involve
answering questions, solving problems, drawing, or working with materials on a
table. Some test may use a computer and others may ask you to fill out forms and
questionnaires. The testing may be performed by the neuropsychologist or by a
trained staff member. The neuropsychologist or a staff member will also spend
some time talking with you an your family abut your medical, personal and school
history. The total time involved in your evaluation will depend upon the
questions you and your doctor have. If you wear glasses or hearing aids, make
sure to bring them with you. Also, if you have had previous testing, please
bring any available records with you to the evaluation.
What will happen after the evaluation?
The neuropsychologist may schedule an appointment to go over
the results with you and/or may send you a written report. With your permission,
the neuropsychologist may send the results to the doctor or healthcare provider
who referred you. This doctor may talk to you about the results of testing on
your next office visit. If requested, the neuropsychologist will give you
specific recommendations to guide your treatment or otherwise help you in your
daily life.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment please call:
University of Illinois at Chicago
Neuropsychology Division
Department of Psychiatry MC913
912 South Wood Street
Chicago IL 60612-7327
Phone: 312-996-6217
Fax: 312-413-0929
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