Neuropsychologists and How They Work

18 Nov Neuropsychologists and How They Work

The practice of neuropsychology is defined by the compound name, which combines the word neuro, referring to nerves and psychology, which focuses on patient behavior and general well-being. Still, many people do not know what a neuropsychologist does and where they are needed.

A neuropsychologist studies how the brain affects behavior, which includes common activities, such as thinking, talking, and mundane daily activities. Neuropsychologists are called in when someone suffers a mild or severe brain injury. Neuropsychologists are useful when a patient suffers from mobility issues caused by nerve damage.

A neuropsychologist begins to work with a patient after a thorough assessment. This can include work with a physical therapist or the patient’s doctor in which impaired functions have already been documented. The assessment also makes use of an interview with the patient. After this, the neuropsychologist may recommend a series of tests, which can be useful when evaluating memory, concentration, logical sequencing, physical capabilities, and cognitive issues.

 Neuropsychologists rely on these tests and administer them with consistency so that the scores on the tests are consistent with other patients. In practice, however, a neuropsychologist does not rely only on the results of the standardized tests. They also evaluate a patient’s personal history and observations that show up when interacting with the patient. In those interactions, the use of cognitive functioning, fatigue level, confusion, or awkward physical behaviors is also assessed.

How Long Does A Neuropsychology Assessment Take?

The standardized tests can take anywhere from two to eight hours. This may be managed in one long meeting or broken up into two or three meetings. The neuropsychologist may also add to the standard list of tests in order to accurately diagnose a problem.

Why See A Neuropsychologist?

Many people who have been in a car accident display symptoms that are not purely physical in nature. Perhaps the patient becomes anxious after a car accident. Other emotional factors – mood, outlook on life, basic feelings of depression, and/or happiness – could be changed by a car accident. Memory can also be affected, including the inability to form new memories. Many neurological issues appear without any specific pain involved. The patient can feel fine, fit, and energetic, but still suffer from memory loss, the inability to complete sentences without apparent struggling, and other complications.

Neuropsychological evaluations might also be recommended as a caution – as a way to establish a baseline or a starting point that can be compared to the same tests taken at a later date. The symptoms of a brain injury can grow more severe and/or less severe over time. This can only be determined by sitting down to a series of tests to have for later comparisons.

Taking The Tests

Neuropsychologists can administer tests to assess a patient’s intelligence level, but those are not always the focus of their evaluations. The majority of the tests are not the kind of tests you can study for. They do not focus on a recall of facts, as a history test might. These tests have built-in questions that require concentration, immediate recall, the ability to use logic and other cognitive functions.

Who To Call

Have you or a loved one been in a car accident and then displayed odd symptoms that range from loss of memory to mood disorders to a lack of coordination? Call Colorado Accident and Injury at 719-917-1000 to schedule an appointment today. Working alongside a team of professionals, including chiropractors, massage therapists, speech therapists, pain management specialists, and physical therapy Colorado Springs can offer a unique, holistic approach to your recovery. Call as soon as possible and let the healing begin.