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.
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.
Simple tasks are the ones which will be given first as they progress to more difficult ones. This is done until it reaches a point where one cannot continue. From here now the doctor is able to gauge the mental functioning of the individual.
There are a number of facts which doctors have to take into account when carrying out the assessments. One of these is the fact that not everyone can perform his/her best when doing something for the first time. Therefore, more than one task will be done even though they are all meant to test the same thing in relation to the memory. By doing so, the doctor is able to get an accurate picture and which is more reliable.
The assessment session may take some lengthy time before it comes to an end. In some cases it can go for even more than four hours. You should, however, not be discourage with this because the more time taken the easier it is for the doctor to create a clearer picture. He will therefore be able to determine your ability to reason, concentrate, remember and solve problems.
The specialists involved in undertaking these assessments in most cases are psychologists who have undergone some special kind of training. This therefore means that not every doctor can do the assessment. Because of this fact, you need to check on the specific area of practice that your doctor is specialized in.
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 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.
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.
Simple tasks are the ones which will be given first as they progress to more difficult ones. This is done until it reaches a point where one cannot continue. From here now the doctor is able to gauge the mental functioning of the individual.
There are a number of facts which doctors have to take into account when carrying out the assessments. One of these is the fact that not everyone can perform his/her best when doing something for the first time. Therefore, more than one task will be done even though they are all meant to test the same thing in relation to the memory. By doing so, the doctor is able to get an accurate picture and which is more reliable.
The assessment session may take some lengthy time before it comes to an end. In some cases it can go for even more than four hours. You should, however, not be discourage with this because the more time taken the easier it is for the doctor to create a clearer picture. He will therefore be able to determine your ability to reason, concentrate, remember and solve problems.
The specialists involved in undertaking these assessments in most cases are psychologists who have undergone some special kind of training. This therefore means that not every doctor can do the assessment. Because of this fact, you need to check on the specific area of practice that your doctor is specialized in.
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 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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