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What
is a neuropsychological evaluation?
 This series of tests and procedures is part of the standard
diagnostic work-up for many neurological conditions. Other tests your
doctor orders, like CT or MRI, allow your doctor to view the
structure of your brain. Neuropsychological evaluation allows us to
gather information about the performance of your brain. Results
from the tests are used by your doctor to help diagnosis problems, to
plan your medical or surgical treatment, and to provide a baseline
against which treatment progress can be measured. We also use the
results to help you and your family manage problems you may be having,
and to help you plan appropriately for the future.
What will happen during the
evaluation?
The doctor will conduct a careful interview with the patient and with
family members, who are an important source of information. The testing
phase of the evaluation is conducted by a psychometrist who has
specialized training in the administration of neuropsychological tests.
You will be asked to answer questions, write a bit, perform
calculations, solve problems, remember words and figures, copy designs,
fill out questionnaires, and carry out other similar tasks.
Does it hurt?
No. There are no painful or invasive procedures.
How long will it take?
Because we thoroughly study many aspects of brain functioning, the
evaluation can take several hours. We typically schedule a whole morning
or afternoon for each patient. Certain evaluations can take a whole day
or more. Your evaluation will be scheduled for a half-day unless we tell
you otherwise.
Do I need to bring anything?
Dress comfortably and bring reading glasses if you use them. As our
office can sometimes get chilly, a sweater might be a good idea.
What
about medications and food?
No restrictions. Take your normal medications and eat normally. If
you are coming for an evaluation before Parkinson Disease surgery, try
to time your medication so you are "on" during the procedure.
What do you do with the information
you collect?
With your permission, a detailed report will be sent to the doctor
who referred you for evaluation and to other doctors whom you wish to
receive results. After the evaluation results are analyzed, Dr. Kaplan
will meet with you and your family to discuss the findings.
What other services are available?
Therapy, counseling and education are available for people with
disabling neurological conditions and their families. Help for living
with impaired memory and other deficits is available, as are referrals
to support groups, respite services, and other community resources.
Cancellations and rescheduling
We only schedule one patient at a time for neuropsychological
assessment. As we have reserved a significant part of our day
exclusively for you, we reserve the right to charge you for missed
appointments or for failure to cancel your appointment at least 24 hours
in advance.
Want more information?
We will be happy to explain your procedure to you in detail and
answer any questions you may have. Call us at 941 953-4313.
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