Basics To Know Regarding Neuropsychological Testing

By Jordan Schmidt


The brain is a complex organ. It is involved with numerous processes in the human body. Still, there are problems that can arise in this organ that impact other areas of the body. This could be changes to the actions and thoughts of a person. Neuropsychological testing is done by medical practitioners worldwide, including in New York, NY.

This is done for many purposes. The main objective is to identify issues with the brain. Tests are meant to help them decide what issues are present in patients and how they might impact their concentration, problem solving skills, reasoning and ability to remember. Multiple tests are performed during the process and it is done specifically by psychologists trained in this field of study.

Results of the test will differ. They provide doctors with valuable information related to brain function. Information gathered from these assessments is used to determine possible rehab or treatment solutions. Practitioners may encourage this for people suffering from diseases that affect brain health, including tumors, Parkinsons disease, dementia, stroke, AIDS, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

People may have this done if they had a concussion or other brain-related injury. The test is sometimes performed on people with history of alcohol and drug use, as these substances alter brain health. Patients exposed to chemicals, pollution or poisons are usually tested this way, as are ADHD sufferers. It is not uncommon for the doctors to do these tests just to check the effectiveness of certain treatment methods being administered.

Preparation is necessary. Patients should bring hearing aids or glasses with them. They should make sure to get good sleep beforehand and to eat. Sleepiness and hunger can alter results. It is fundamental that people are informed of how this process is to be carried out. They should always voice questions and concerns regarding the procedure and consider the meaning of the results, how the process is carried out, why the testing is being recommended and the potential side effects.

More than one test can be taken. The kind given to a patient is based on what the practitioner wants to assess. Exams of this kind are meant to test limits for the patients. That is, they can expect some parts to be challenging. Most times these tests will involve the patients completing certain tasks or answering a set of questions. Tests are conducted with special objects, computers, or with standard paper and pencil.

Some of these tests are meant to check attention span and memory of patients. Others will test their skills when it comes to both language and speech. There are even ones that are centered on checking the reasoning, organizing and planning abilities of an individual. People commonly get nervous before taking these tests, which is to be expected.

Results provide information on the capability of a patient when it comes to remembering, thinking and reasoning. Doctors should take out time to explain the results in a way that their patients understand them clearly. Often it will take several weeks to receive the complete and official results.




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