FAQ

 A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It involves a series of tests and interviews designed to measure areas such as memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and executive functioning. This evaluation helps identify strengths and weaknesses in brain functioning, providing valuable insights for diagnosing conditions like dementia, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, and other neurological or psychiatric disorders.

The results guide personalized treatment plans, rehabilitation strategies, and recommendations for improving daily functioning. Whether you’re seeking clarity, treatment, or support, a neuropsychological evaluation is a critical step toward understanding and enhancing brain health.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule an evaluation!

 A neuropsychological evaluation may be beneficial if you or a loved one are experiencing:

• Memory loss or confusion
• Difficulty concentrating or staying organized
• Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
• Challenges with problem-solving, decision-making, or language
• Recovery from a brain injury, stroke, or neurological condition
• Concerns about developmental or learning disabilities
• Symptoms of ADHD, dementia, or other cognitive disorders

This evaluation provides a detailed understanding of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, helping to diagnose conditions, guide treatment, and improve daily functioning. If you’re unsure whether an evaluation is right for you, contact us to discuss your concerns. We’re here to help you take the next step toward better brain health!

 Preparing for a neuropsychological evaluation is simple! Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth and effective assessment:

What to Do:

• Get a good night’s sleep before the evaluation to stay alert and focused.
• Eat a healthy meal beforehand to maintain energy levels.
• Bring a list of current medications, including dosages.
• Bring any relevant medical records, doctor’s referrals, or previous test results.
• Arrive on time to allow for a relaxed and thorough session.

What Not to Do:

• Avoid consuming alcohol or recreational drugs 24 hours before the evaluation.
• Don’t stress about the tests—they are designed to assess your abilities, not judge you.
• Avoid cramming or trying to “study” for the evaluation—it’s not that kind of test!

What to Bring:

• Photo ID and insurance information (if applicable).
• Glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices you regularly use.
• A family member or close friend who can provide additional insights (if needed).

New Patients:

• Complete all new patient paperwork 24 hours before your appointment. 
• By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for your evaluation.

Your neuropsychological evaluation is designed to be thorough yet comfortable. Here’s what you can expect:

Duration:

• The evaluation typically takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the specific tests required.

Testing Process:

• You’ll complete a series of computer-based or paper-and-pencil tasks to assess memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and other cognitive skills.
• Breaks are provided throughout the session to ensure you stay comfortable and focused.

What to Bring:

• Glasses & Hearing Aids: Don’t forget to bring these, and ensure hearing aids are fully charged.
• Completed Intake Paperwork: Print, complete, and bring the forms with you. If you don’t have a printer, let the scheduler know—we can mail them to you or provide them in the office. If completing paperwork in the office, arrive 30 minutes early and inform the scheduler.
• Recent Brain MRI/CT Reports: Bring any recent reports (no need for CDs).
• Snacks and Drinks: Feel free to bring snacks and water to keep your energy up during breaks.
• Family Member or Friend: You’re welcome to bring someone. They can wait in the waiting area and may be asked to provide additional insights about your symptoms or history.

During the Evaluation:

• The tests are not pass/fail—they’re designed to understand how your brain works.
• Breaks are available as needed, so don’t hesitate to let the examiner know if you need a pause.

 After your neuropsychological testing, here’s what you can expect:

Report Preparation:

• Testing is just one step in the process. Analyzing your results, correlating them with brain imaging studies, and reviewing medical records takes time. Reports are not produced instantly—we typically need 2-3 weeks to finalize them.

Required Documents:

• Ensure we have all necessary documents, such as imaging study results, before your appointment. If you couldn’t bring them, contact your provider to fax the records promptly to avoid delays.

Follow-Up:

• If there are gaps in the evaluation, we may reach out to you for additional information. Your provider will guide you on the next steps.

Feedback to Referring Provider:

• Once the report is complete, we’ll share it with your referring provider, who will discuss the results and recommendations with you.

Feedback Sessions:

• If needed, we can schedule a separate feedback session with you, typically via a secure Zoom call. You can also request a feedback session when scheduling is completed in the office.

Report Accessibility in the Patient Portal:

• In most cases, the report is shared with trained professionals for interpretation. In exceptional cases, we may release the report directly to you through the patient portal, with guidance to ensure continued care and follow-up with your provider.

A neuropsychological evaluation provides a detailed snapshot of your cognitive functioning, serving as a baseline for future comparisons. Over time, changes in brain health due to aging, medical conditions, or treatments may necessitate a reevaluation. Here’s when and why you might need one:

Monitoring Treatment Progress:

• If you’ve started new medications, therapies (e.g., cognitive rehabilitation, speech therapy, or brain training), or other interventions, a reevaluation helps measure their effectiveness and guides adjustments.

Degenerative or Progressive Conditions:

• For conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, or Parkinson’s disease, we typically recommend reevaluations every 8-10 months to track changes and update care plans.

Substance Use Recovery:

• If cognitive issues are linked to alcohol or substance use, reevaluation after 6 months of abstinence can assess improvements and provide guidance for continued recovery.

Inconsistent or Unclear Initial Results:

• If your first evaluation shows significant inconsistencies or gaps in your cognitive profile, a follow-up in 6 months may be recommended to clarify findings.

Predictive Insights and Comparisons:

• Reevaluations allow us to compare your current cognitive function to your baseline, offering more precise insights and predictive value for future care.

Changes in Symptoms or Functioning:

• If you notice new or worsening symptoms (e.g., memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes), a reevaluation can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate interventions.

• Tracks changes in brain health over time.
• Helps adjust treatments or interventions based on updated findings.
• Monitors progression in degenerative, neurological, or psychiatric conditions.
• Provides clarity and direction for patients, families, and healthcare providers.

• You may need an additional referral from your primary care physician (PCP), neurologist, or psychiatrist for a reevaluation.
• Ensure all relevant medical records, imaging studies, and treatment updates are available to avoid delays in the process.

If you’re unsure whether a reevaluation is needed, consult your neuropsychologist or contact our office for guidance. Call us at 469-444-3226 or email neuropsychclinic@outlook.com to schedule an appointment. Staying proactive about your brain health ensures the best possible outcomes!

Periodic neuropsychological reevaluations are critical in certain cases for maintaining and improving cognitive health. Let us help you stay on track!