Key Things In Neuropsychological Assessment New York Doctors Consider

By Essie Osborn


Neuropsychological assessments are done by doctors for various specific reasons. Basically, the tests measure the level of mental functioning. These include things like; concentration, remembering, reasoning, planning, organizing, language and speech skills. It will therefore give a picture of your brain in the same manner an MRI or CT scan do. However, this image will be basically showing how the brain works. After a neuropsychological assessment New York doctors will now conclude on how to help the patient.

There are a number of mental tasks that one is normally asked to undertake. These are sometimes referred to as cognitive tests. Basically, what is used is a simple computer program or in some cases a pencil and paper. Instructions are then given on how one is supposed to do the tasks presented. One example of such tasks is when the individual is asked to try and remember a given list of words which have been read out.

When the evaluation is being undertaken, easier tasks are first given as the level of difficulty is increased slowly. There will however come a time when the patient cannot do it anymore. It is from this point that the doctor can now be able to measure the individual.

It is an obvious fact that individuals may in most cases not bring out their best the first time they do something. This is something that doctors give consideration while doing their evaluation. They will therefore give their patients varied tests while in the real sense measuring the same thing. This helps them to get pictures which are more precise and can be relied on.

Some neuropsychological assessments take a considerable amount of time to finish, may be more than four hours. Nevertheless, at the end of it all, it will help your doctor in finding out how your brain damage is affecting your abilities. This is in relation to reasoning, concentrating, solving problems or even remembering.

Psychologists are the ones who mostly take patients through the evaluation program. However, before they can practice it they need to have trained and specialized in this specific area. It is therefore advised that one should check on these requirements on the doctor being consulted.

The doctor may advise on whether a treatment program should be taken or a rehabilitation program depending with the results of the assessment. However, before even the assessment is done, the doctor will check on some conditions which make the evaluation necessary. For example, there are diseases which can make the brain to suffer some damages. These include diseases like; Stroke, Alzheimer, AIDS, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Tumor and Parkinson disease.

There are also other situations which can lead to the administration of these tests. These involve injuries that may lead to brain damage like suffering concussions or serious brain injuries. Also, it can be recommended if one has had an alcohol or drug related abuse which may have led to the brain being damaged. You may have also been affected after being exposed to chemicals, poisons or even pollution.




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