If you have got been referred to a neuropsychologist, you might have asked yourself: What is neuropsychology? The Word gives us a part of what we want to know. The field of neuropsychology combines neurology, the study of the nervous system, with psychology, the study of the mind and its effects on behavior.
Neuropsychologists study how a brain injury or brain disease can affect your day by day life. Brain trauma can affect these facets of behavior:
- Cognitive — Your thought processes
- Social — the way you get together with others
- Physically — how you progress and the way your body works
- Emotionally — how you're feeling disconnected out of your physical being
Neuropsychologists should not doctors. Instead of prescribing medications or performing procedures, they run tests and analyze the outcomes. Someone with a medical degree who works on this field is known as a neuropsychiatrist.
Clinical neuropsychologists work with individuals with brain diseases or injuries, normally in a medical facility. Cognitive neuropsychologists work in academic fields or research.
The principal task of neuropsychologists is diagnostics. They offer tests to find out how well your brain is functioning. The tests can assist them determine why you could be having difficulty in a selected a part of your life.
If you have got a brain disease or injury, you could not feel like yourself. A neuropsychologist can make it easier to understand what's occurring and provide you with some ways to manage. They may refer you to other individuals who can make it easier to, akin to a physical therapist or speech therapist.
Neurologists work closely with doctors. For example, you may work with:
Getting right into a neuropsychology program is just not easy. Once licensed, neuropsychologists undergo years of coaching before becoming fully qualified. The steps may vary barely from state to state, but the fundamental requirements are the identical. They include:
- A bachelor's degree, normally in a field akin to biology or psychology
- An advanced degree in neuropsychology, typically a doctorate fairly than a master's
- Post-PhD field experience, typically as a part of a two-year fellowship program
- A license acquired partially by passing the Professional Practice in Psychology Examination (EPPP).
Some neuropsychologists decide to change into board certified, which requires passing oral and written tests in addition to other requirements.
Neuropsychologists working in research might not be required to pass the EPPP. However, in the event that they conduct certain forms of field work, they could still need a license.
Neuropsychologists work with people of all ages and stages of life. Neurologists often work with:
- Young children with developmental delays
- Children and young individuals with academic challenges
- Adults with problems at work or at home
- Older adults with declining abilities
They often work with individuals with conditions that affect the brain, akin to:
- Dementia and mild cognitive impairment
- Head injury
- stroke
- epilepsy
- Movement disorders akin to Parkinson's
- Diseases of the central nervous system, akin to multiple sclerosis
- Genetic disorders affecting the central nervous system
- Mood swings
- Brain tumors
You might have to see a neuropsychologist if you have got symptoms akin to:
- Inability to pay attention
- Difficulties with organization
- Lack of considering ability
- Problems with coordination
- Personality changes
- Difficulties with language
- Memory deficits
- Problems processing sensory input
Neuropsychologists also work with people who find themselves scheduled to have brain surgery. They map sections of the brain that control specific functions, because the exact areas that control speech and language can vary.
Neuropsychologists can examine people after surgery. They're in search of ways surgery could have affected brain function. Their findings can function a guide for postoperative care. Neuropsychologists also can help individuals manage their emotions how they overcome the challenges that include surgery.
A neuropsychological exam involves collecting information and conducting tests. Before the testing portion, your neuropsychologist will request a whole family history, discover what medical conditions you have got, discover your concerns, and review your medications. A friend or member of the family can assist you with this process.
The next a part of the assessment involves administering standardized tests. To obtain valid results, these tests have to be performed the identical way each time. Most are pen and pencil tests. The doctor who referred you for testing will make it easier to determine which tests are appropriate. The doctor has questions on your condition that the tests are intended to reply.
A neuropsychological examination can take 2 to eight hours, depending on the complexity of the symptoms. Additionally, some people might have more time to finish the tests or additional time between tests. If essential, the tests will also be carried out over several days.
If you would like a neuropsychological evaluation, don't worry. Make sure your test day goes easily by following these suggestions:
- Get night's sleep before your exam.
- Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before your tests.
- If you take medication, ask your doctor when you should take it before your test.
- Have a positive mental attitude.
After you complete your tests, your neuropsychologist will evaluate them. You may receive some test results immediately. Your neuropsychologist will prepare a full report for the referring doctor. You can discuss your results with the neuropsychologist or referring doctor.
Your tests give your doctor accurate details about your health. If that is your first neuropsychological evaluation, the tests can establish a baseline. Then your doctor can determine whether your condition is improving or worsening. Your doctor may use the outcomes to verify a working diagnosis or suggest a unique diagnosis.
Based in your results, your care team can determine what services or treatments you could need.