North Coast Neuropsychology provides clinical and medico-legal evaluation of psychological and neuropsychological functioning for adolescents, adults and the elderly. Common conditions for which evaluations are conducted include dementia, stroke, ADHD, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, HIV and infectious diseases (including SARS-CoV-2), memory disorders, psychiatric disorders, and other cognitive-behavioral syndromes resulting from medical conditions. Patients, families, clients, and attorneys are provided with a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation and recommendations in a timely manner.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves testing that is sensitive to problems in brain functioning. Unlike CT or MRI scans, which show the structure of the brain, neuropsychological testing examines how efficiently the brain is working when performing certain functions (e.g., learning and remembering). The types of tests employed depend upon the referral questions, and may assess the following areas: attention and memory, reasoning and problem-solving, visual-spatial functions, language functions, sensory-perceptual functions, motor functions, academic skills, personality and emotional functioning. The tests are not invasive; most involve questions-and-answers, or working with materials on a table. Some tests require a computer. In addition, the neuropsychologist will spend some time talking with you about your medical, personal, and school history. The total time involved in your evaluation will depend upon the questions you and your doctor have. The neuropsychologist uses his/her knowledge of brain development, organization and functioning and their effects on development to guide the assessment, interpret the results and guide the recommendations.
What is a neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist specializing in the area of brain-behavior relationships. Although a neuropsychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology, he or she does not just focus on emotional or psychological problems. The neuropsychologist has additional training in the specialty field of clinical neuropsychology. That means a neuropsychologist is educated in brain anatomy, brain function, and brain injury or disease. The neuropsychologist also has specialized training in administering and interpreting the specific kinds of tests included in your neuropsychological evaluation. As a part of the required education, a neuropsychologist also has years of practical experience working with people who have had problems involving the brain.
