General Neuropsychology

What is Neuropsychology? 

The field of neuropsychology relates to the study of brain-behavior relationships. It is the study of how brain functioning at the neurobiological level affects our human behavior, emotions, and cognition. At Aptiva Health, we focus our Neuropsychological efforts on:

• The diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and related symptoms

• Neuropsychological assessments over the lifespan.

Neuropsychological Assessments (Non-concussion)

Complete neuropsychological assessments are evaluations that focus on assessing cognitive functioning and brain-behavior relationships. These assessments are conducted by clinical neuropsychologists, who are trained in both psychology and neurology. The main goal of neuropsychological assessments is to understand how brain structures and functions impact cognitive abilities, behavior, emotions, and everyday functioning.

Key features of neuropsychological assessments include:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: They involve a thorough assessment of cognitive domains such as attention, memory, language, visuospatial skills, executive functions (planning, problem-solving), and motor skills.

• Standardized Tests: Neuropsychologists use standardized and validated tests to measure different aspects of cognitive function. These tests often include tasks that assess specific abilities and compare an individual's performance to established norms.

• Behavioral Observations: In addition to tests, observations of the individual's behavior and interactions during testing can provide valuable insights into their functioning. Clinical Interviews and History: Gathering information about the individual's medical history, developmental history, and current symptoms is crucial for understanding the context of their cognitive functioning.

• Neuroimaging and Neurological Findings: In some cases, neuroimaging (such as MRI or CT scans) and neurological examinations may complement neuropsychological assessments to provide a more complete picture of brain structure and function.

Neuropsychological assessments are used in various clinical settings for different purposes:

• Diagnostic Purposes: To help diagnose neurological conditions (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia) and differentiate between psychiatric and neurological disorders.

• Treatment Planning: They inform treatment planning and rehabilitation strategies by identifying strengths and weaknesses in cognitive functioning.

• Monitoring Progress: They are used to track changes in cognitive function over time, particularly in response to treatments or interventions.

• Forensic Evaluations: In legal settings, neuropsychological assessments may be used to evaluate cognitive competence, assess brain injury-related disability, or determine the effects of substance abuse on cognition.

Overall, complete neuropsychological assessments provide valuable information that helps clinicians understand how brain function impacts behavior and cognition, guiding personalized interventions and improving outcomes for individuals with neurological and cognitive disorders.

Our Clinical Neuropsychologist