Doctors may sometimes recommend a neuropsychological assessment to a patient in order to determine how his/her brain is functioning. This is in relation to some functions of the brain especially when it comes to things like; reasoning, attention span, memory, planning, language and speech skills or organizing skills among others. A picture of the brain will be taken from which its functioning can be determined. With a neuropsychological assessment New York doctors can help individuals improve their brain functioning.
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.
Tasks are normally arranged in a certain way whereby the easier ones come first. They then progress slowly to the difficult ones as the process continues. The ability of the patient is, however, measured when he/she is asked to go to a point where it becomes difficult to do it anymore.
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.
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 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.
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.
Tasks are normally arranged in a certain way whereby the easier ones come first. They then progress slowly to the difficult ones as the process continues. The ability of the patient is, however, measured when he/she is asked to go to a point where it becomes difficult to do it anymore.
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.
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 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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