A neuropsychological assessment is normally done to try and measure the ability of an individual to carry out various mental functions such as concentrating on things or remembering things. It is more of a brain scan just like how the CT scan or MRI is done since it involves obtaining the picture of the brain. The difference, however, comes in the type of picture taken since in neuropsychological assessment it is an image of what the brain can do. After a neuropsychological assessment New York psychologists are able to advise their patients on the way forward.
The assessment will in most cases involve a number of tasks. The more tasks are done, the better because the results will be clearer. These tasks are normally referred to as cognitive tests. A simple pen and paper may be used in taking the tests or sometimes a computer program. The patient is however guided on how to respond to the given tasks. For example, one may be given a list of words then thereafter asked to remember them.
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 common for individuals not to perform their best the first time they do something. This is therefore taken into account when the assessment is being done. Assessors may ask the patient to go at various tasks more than one time while trying to measure the same thing. This is to mean that memory will be measured by more than one task. A more accurate and reliable outcome is therefore likely to be generated by doing so.
One should not be discouraged with the lengthy process of the program. There are times when it can take around three to four hours. This, however, makes things much easier when it comes to making a conclusion because the doctor can compare various results. From the results he/she will be able to conclude on your reasoning, remembering, concentration and problem solving abilities.
These tests are in most cases administered by specialized psychologists. They need to have undergone some special training on how to do the tests before practicing it. This, therefore, means that you need to determine the qualifications of your psychologist before enrolling for his program.
The results received at the end of the test can help the doctor to know which rehabilitation program or treatment is best for you. There are various diseases which can affect the functioning of the brain and the doctor may recommend the test if you have them. These include diseases such as; Stroke, Alzheimer, Epilepsy, Brain tumor, AIDS and Parkinson disease, and Multiple sclerosis.
There are also other cases which can lead to the need for neuropsychological assessment. These include situations such as serious injuries to the brain. Things like alcohol and drug abuse, exposure to poisons, pollution or chemicals can lead to the need of the assessment. This is because these conditions can affect the functioning of the brain.
The assessment will in most cases involve a number of tasks. The more tasks are done, the better because the results will be clearer. These tasks are normally referred to as cognitive tests. A simple pen and paper may be used in taking the tests or sometimes a computer program. The patient is however guided on how to respond to the given tasks. For example, one may be given a list of words then thereafter asked to remember them.
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 common for individuals not to perform their best the first time they do something. This is therefore taken into account when the assessment is being done. Assessors may ask the patient to go at various tasks more than one time while trying to measure the same thing. This is to mean that memory will be measured by more than one task. A more accurate and reliable outcome is therefore likely to be generated by doing so.
One should not be discouraged with the lengthy process of the program. There are times when it can take around three to four hours. This, however, makes things much easier when it comes to making a conclusion because the doctor can compare various results. From the results he/she will be able to conclude on your reasoning, remembering, concentration and problem solving abilities.
These tests are in most cases administered by specialized psychologists. They need to have undergone some special training on how to do the tests before practicing it. This, therefore, means that you need to determine the qualifications of your psychologist before enrolling for his program.
The results received at the end of the test can help the doctor to know which rehabilitation program or treatment is best for you. There are various diseases which can affect the functioning of the brain and the doctor may recommend the test if you have them. These include diseases such as; Stroke, Alzheimer, Epilepsy, Brain tumor, AIDS and Parkinson disease, and Multiple sclerosis.
There are also other cases which can lead to the need for neuropsychological assessment. These include situations such as serious injuries to the brain. Things like alcohol and drug abuse, exposure to poisons, pollution or chemicals can lead to the need of the assessment. This is because these conditions can affect the functioning of the brain.
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