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What is a
Neuropsychologist?
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Clinical Neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist specializing in the area of brain-behavior
relationships. The Neuropsychologist has specialty training in
Neuropsychology, Brain anatomy, Brain function, Brain injury and Brain recovery.
The clinical neuropsychologist uses neurological, cognitive,
behavioral, psychological, and physiological principles, techniques, and tests to
evaluate:
neurocognitive functioning (how well you process information),
behavioral functioning (how well you can complete day to day
activities), and
emotional functioning (how you are feeling).
Why do I need this test?
Clinical Neuropsychologists use this knowledge to assist in the
assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients.
What is a
Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves testing
that is sensitive to problems in brain functioning.
Unlike
CT or MRI brain imaging, which show what the structure of the brain looks like,
neuropsychological testing examines how well the brain is working
when it performs certain functions (for example, remembering or speaking).
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The types of tests you will take depend upon the questions you and your
physician have.
A neuropsychological
evaluation often measures:
 Attention and memory
Reasoning and problem-solving
Visual-spatial functions
Language ability
Sensory-perceptual and Motor
functioning
Academic skills
Emotional functioning
What are the tests like?--Neuropsychological
tests are not invasive; that is, they do not involve attaching you to machines or
using X-rays. Commonly, the tests involve a question-and-answer format and/or working with
materials on a table. Some tests are administered using a computer.
Who will do the tests?--The
testing can be performed by the Clinical Neuropsychologist or by his/her specially trained
staff member. The Clinical Neuropsychologist will also spend some time taking with you
about your medical, personal, and vocational/school history. Dr. Schoenberg will also
frequently ask you for permission to speak to a relative or friend of yours in order to
provide the Clinical Neuropsychologist with additional information about your day-to-day
level of functioning from someone else’s perspective.
How
long does Neuropsychological Testing take? --The total time of the
neuropsychological evaluation will vary and depends on the questions that you and your
physician have. As an example, the total time for patients undergoing
an evaluation for the treatment of a seizure disorder should be about six (6) hours.
Testing will typically take about four (4) hours. You are free to take as many breaks
during the evaluation as you would like. We strive to make you comfortable and the
neuropsychologist will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
What
happens AFTER I take all these tests?
Each individual test must be scored, then all the
tests must be combined with your medical, personal, and vocational/school history to
produce a final report that is submitted to the physician who
referred you to us. Your referring physician will be able to provide you with
information about your neuropsychological functioning. In addition, you may also schedule
an appointment with the neuropsychologist to obtain specific feedback about your
neuropsychological functioning.
For additional questions,
please contact Mike R. Schoenberg, Ph.D. at (216) 844-8388.
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