If you or someone you know has been referred for a neuropsychological evaluation, you may have many questions about the process.
Neuropsychologists use this evaluation to assess cognitive and emotional functioning. It can help identify strengths and weaknesses in these areas.
You may be wondering what to expect during the evaluation.
Moreover, we’ll discuss how the results of your evaluation can help you and your healthcare providers develop an effective treatment plan to improve your quality of life.
The Difference Between a Neurologist and a Neuropsychologist
To fully grasp the purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation, it’s essential to understand the difference between a neurologist and a neuropsychologist.
A neurologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating brain and nervous system disorders. They rely on brain imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans and lab work to identify any obvious signs of a problem.
Additionally, neurologists can prescribe medications to treat various neurological conditions.
Neurological exams are useful for diagnosing brain injuries or strokes. However, they may not be as effective in identifying learning disabilities, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. These conditions do not typically appear on brain scans.
Although a brain scan can reveal areas of injury, it cannot provide information on how that injury impacts an individual’s day-to-day functioning.
A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who studies how behavior, skills, and brain structures connect.
Neuropsychologists collaborate with a patient’s physician to assess the brain’s functioning and health.
They use different tests to check how the brain and emotions work. This helps them see what someone is good at and what they struggle with. This information can help with therapy and treatment.
What Does a Neuropsychological Evaluation Assess?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive and emotional functioning. The tests administered during the evaluation examine a wide range of areas, including:
Overall cognitive function
Educational skills
Critical thinking
Mental focus
Information retention
Understanding and speaking
Visual and spatial awareness
Physical and sensory abilities
Neuropsychologists look at strengths and weaknesses to plan treatment and improve overall functioning.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your neuropsychological evaluation will begin with a background interview.
In the interview, the neuropsychologist will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and any worries you have.
This information will help them determine the most appropriate tests to administer based on your specific needs.
In some cases, your neuropsychologist may also interview family members who are familiar with the problems you are experiencing.
Following the background interview, your neuropsychologist will administer a series of tests.
The duration of testing and the quantity of tests given will differ based on the issue being presented.
An ADHD evaluation takes about three hours, while a learning disability evaluation takes four to five hours.
More complex cases, such as those involving traumatic brain injuries, may require six to seven hours of testing.
Some people may take longer to complete the tests because of their individual pace.
Our team can complete most neuropsychological evaluations in a single session.
However, if your particular issue requires extensive testing, your neuropsychologist may schedule additional sessions to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
We will discuss this with you in detail during your consultation call before your appointment.
The tests administered during a neuropsychological evaluation do not require any preparation or studying.
Some tests are computerized, while others use verbal questions, workbooks, or pen-and-paper tasks.
These tests evaluate your current skills, so you don’t need to study or practice before taking them.
Interpreting Your Test Results
After you complete the tests, your neuropsychologist will evaluate them. They will compare your results to others of the same age, ethnicity, and education level.
Patients often fear failing neuropsychological tests, but it’s crucial to know they are not pass-or-fail evaluations.
Instead, they measure strengths and weaknesses across various domains of functioning.
Your neuropsychologist will compare your scores to those of people with similar backgrounds. Comparing your scores to similar patients will help determine if your performance is average in each measured area.
This helps them tell the difference between normal aging changes and possible signs of medical or brain disorders.
Your neuropsychologist will analyze test results to create a report that explains how your brain functions. The report will identify your strengths and weaknesses. It will also provide treatment recommendations.
We will share this report with you and your healthcare providers. The report will ensure that everyone involved in your care has a clear understanding of your needs.
Benefits of a Neuropsychological Evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation can provide numerous benefits, including:
- A neuropsychological evaluation provides a comprehensive understanding of your cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
- It helps determine whether your concerns stem from normal aging processes or if they are the result of an underlying medical or neurological condition.
- Valuable information for your doctors to develop a targeted treatment plan
- Recommendations for improving your day-to-day life and overall quality of life
- Ideas for adjustments in school or work to support peak performance.
- Establishment of a “baseline” to monitor any changes in functioning over time
We hope this guide answered your questions about neuropsychological evaluations and what to expect at your appointment.
At our practice, we understand that the prospect of undergoing a neuropsychological evaluation can be anxiety-provoking for many patients.
However, our experienced team will dedicate themselves to making your experience as pleasant and beneficial as possible.
A neuropsychological evaluation helps find your strengths and weaknesses, giving suggestions to enhance your quality of life.
Schedule your phone consultation Today!
Phone: (561) 376-9699 (305) 981-6434
If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Benejam, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
