Neuropsych Evaluation

What is Neuropsych Evaluation?

It is an assessment of how the brain functions, which indirectly yields information about the functional integrity of your brain. The Neuropsych evaluation involves an in-depth interview and testing (that are typically pencil and paper) to assess your skills and abilities linked to brain function, which can not be detected with a brain scan, such as MRI or CAT-Scan.

Brain scans & Neuropsych evaluation

Brain scans are used for evaluating the physical brain structure, including CT scan, MRI, SWI, DTI, MTI, etc. These scans are performed upon injury or diagnosis of a brain injury, and again when necessary. Neuropsych evaluation should follow any brain injury diagnosis, as it measures such areas as attention, problem solving, memory, language, I.Q., visual-spatial skills, academic skills and social-emotional functioning. Following brain scans, we recommend having a neuropsych evaluation after any brain injury changes, in order to get the complete picture of your brain’s physical structure and functional performance, and repeat when necessary.

Get the complete picture

Despite my brain injury, at the time, I was not aware of, or offered, a Neuropsych evaluation. I wish I had, as it would have helped me understand what I was going through. On the other hand, when my daughter Sarah started to experience symptoms, we made sure she completed a Neuropsych evaluation after her brain scans. We used the results over the years to help us understand her symptoms, and to provide proper care as well as make decisions about her treatments. Also, in recent years Sarah had some setbacks, and it was necessary to complete another Neuropsych evaluation. The result shows lower intellect and higher thought processing issues, as compared to the previous Neuropsych evaluation, and we are currently trying to figure out what this means. Incidentally, Sarah has gained much experience with this valuable tool, as she used it frequently during her graduate school studies, and during her internship. The bottom line when it comes to a brain injury, you can never have enough information. Brain Scans and a Neuropsych evaluation are key to understanding the complete picture, for proper diagnosis and treatment.

“if you have a brain injury, it is imperative to get a Neuropsych evaluation, and repeat as needed”