What is Neuropsychology?

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Neuropsychology is a specialized field that explores the relationship between brain function and behavior. It involves understanding how various brain conditions, such as brain injuries, developmental disorders, and neurological diseases, impact cognitive processes like memory, attention, and decision-making. 

    Neuropsychologists conduct one-time comprehensive assessments to diagnose these conditions and develop tailored treatment plans. By pinpointing the specific areas of cognitive impairment, they ensure accurate diagnoses and effective recommendations, helping patients understand and improve cognitive functioning.

  • Neuropsychological assessments are complex and multifaceted. Neuropsychologists are trained to consider the broader context of a patient’s life, including medical history, emotional state, and environmental factors. This holistic understanding helps in forming a comprehensive picture of the patient’s condition. 

    Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment, which may worsen symptoms, fail to address the root cause of the problem and prolong suffering for the patient.  Our clinicians are exceptionally skilled in administering and interpreting psychological assessments. These assessments evaluate patients’ performance relative to others, identifying potential impairments in various psychological and neuropsychological domains, including intelligence, academic performance, memory, problem-solving, attention, language and speech, sensorimotor abilities, and visuospatial processing. When you have a certified neuropsychologist using evidence-based holistic practices, you minimize the risk of misdiagnosis.

    The ability to understand specific cognitive and psychological differences in patients also allows us to create personalized recommendations that target the individual need(s) of each patient. This personalized approach enhances the effectiveness of treatment, promoting better outcomes for both patients and families.

  • Do you find certain life tasks or events difficult that others seem to manage effortlessly? If you find yourself thinking, "Something is wrong with my brain," it may be an indication that a component isn't functioning properly. 

    Consider your brain as a sophisticated computer. Just as a malfunctioning computer needs diagnostics, your brain requires expert testing to identify any issues. A neuropsychologist can conduct “system scans” by administering detailed tests to determine whether the problem lies in the “hardware” (brain structures) or “software” (cognitive processes). 

    Our neuropsychologists are able to test for…

    • Learning disabilities

    • Developmental delays

    • ADHD

    • Autism

    • Down syndrome

    • Dementia

    • Alzheimer's disease

    • Parkinson's disease

    • Brain injuries

    • Cognitive function pre- and post-surgery

    Obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a neuropsychologist is essential for effective treatment to restore your mental “system” to optimal performance.

  • Neurologists and neuropsychologists both specialize in brain health but focus on different aspects and treatment approaches. Neurologists are medical doctors focusing on diagnosing and treating neurological disorders using medications and medical procedures. They address conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and migraines.

    Neuropsychologists, on the other hand, hold a doctoral degree in psychology with specialized training in neuropsychology. They conduct thorough cognitive and behavioral assessments to diagnose conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and brain injuries. Instead of prescribing medications, neuropsychologists develop recommendations based on understanding brain-behavior relationships, often collaborating with neurologists for comprehensive patient care. Their approach includes cognitive rehabilitation, behavioral strategies, and educational recommendations to relieve symptoms and improve patients' health and happiness.

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