Adults referred for a neuropsychological evaluation have or are suspected of having cognitive and emotional difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

•Attention, arousal, and concentration

•Learning and memory

•Language

•Reasoning and problem solving

•Visuospatial  functioning

•Emotional, social, or behavioral regulation

Individuals may be referred following a traumatic event (motor vehicle accident) or a neurodegenerative disease (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, brain tumors, epilepsy, etc.).  The purpose is to identify cortical functioning and limitations.  It is an invaluable tool to document and quantify normal and impaired brain functioning. 

It is a lengthy process, but it is the only standardized method for assessing cortical functioning and the neuroemotional and affective symptoms that influence recovery.  Neuroimaging studies (CT and MRI) provide information about the brain structure, but not function.  Neuropsychological testing does!

The neuropsychological evaluation leads to a comprehensive report that contains information about:

•Reason for referral

•Presenting problems

•Review of symptoms

•Relevant background/medical history

•Effort during testing

•Attention and concentration

•Processing speed

•Premorbid/current intellectual functioning

•Executive skills (self-regulation/reasoning)

•Language/verbal skills

•Sensoriperceptual/motor skills

•Visuospatial abilities

•Emotional and personality functioning