How With Neuropsychological Assessment New York Doctors Can Help

By Essie Osborn


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.

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.

One should not be discouraged with the lengthy process of the program. There are times when it can take around three to four hours. This, however, makes things much easier when it comes to making a conclusion because the doctor can compare various results. From the results he/she will be able to conclude on your reasoning, remembering, concentration and problem solving abilities.

Psychologists are the ones who mostly take patients through the evaluation program. However, before they can practice it they need to have trained and specialized in this specific area. It is therefore advised that one should check on these requirements on the doctor being consulted.

After the doctor has received the results, he/she can make a conclusion and advise you on which way forward, either treatment or a rehabilitation program. When making the decision on whether the assessment should be done or not, medical professionals are normally guided by the kind of condition that one is suffering from. This is because there are some diseases which are more likely to result to brain damage. Such include; Alzheimer, AIDS, Stroke, Epilepsy, Brain Tumor, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson disease.

Sometimes the doctor can advise one to take the assessment when they have suffered some serious brain damage. Some of the things that can lead to this include; exposure to pollution, chemicals and poison. Also, there are things like drug abuse and alcohol abuse that can affect how the brain functions.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment