Neuropsychology Clinic

A neuropsychology assessment is done using a set of standardized tests and procedures to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your cognitive and behavioral abilities. The specific tests administered depend on the reason you were referred for evaluation. Various mental abilities are systematically tested, including, but not limited to:

• Intelligence
• Attention and concentration
• Mental efficiency
• Learning and memory
• Problem solving, reasoning, planning and organization
• Language and speech
• Visual-perceptual and spatial abilities
• Sensory-perceptual and motor abilities
• Emotions, behavior, and personality

The major purpose of a neuropsychology assessment is to assist with questions about:

• Integrity of cognitive functions
  This evaluation is helpful to determine the presence, nature, and severity of cognitive dysfunction. We identify areas of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and patterns of overall cognitive functioning. We provide a baseline to monitor future changes in cognitive abilities, mood and personality, including treatment effects.
  
  
• Differential diagnosis – to confirm or clarify a diagnosis
  Regarding differential diagnosis, we help evaluate neurological and psychiatric contributions to cognitive dysfunction.
  
  
• Treatment planning
  We provide treatment recommendations for cognitive disorders and psychological adjustment, including a profile of strengths and weaknesses to guide rehabilitation, educational, vocational, or other services. We also determine levels of cognitive functioning as they relate to work, school, and independent living.
  

•  Assessment of functional abilities
  This evaluation can assess readiness to return to work or other important life activities after a brain injury or neurologic illness. Evaluation addresses whether a person is able, from a mental ability perspective, to make a successful return to major life roles. We address strengths and weaknesses in performing such roles, and the adjustments and adaptations that may be necessary to optimize the chance of a successful return.

Neuropsychological assessments can be useful when you are experiencing known or suspected brain dysfunction. Many conditions can affect brain functioning, including general medical conditions, neurological disease, and neuropsychiatric disease. Disorders may be genetic, acquired (concussions, traumatic brain injury), or of unknown origin.

We provide neuropsychology assessments for individuals with:

• Acquired brain injury (concussion and traumatic brain injury)
• Cerebrovascular disease and stroke
• Epilepsy and seizure disorder
• Dementia and mild cognitive impairment
• Movement disorders (Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease)
• Systemic diseases affecting the brain or central nervous system (systemic lupus erythematosus, demyelinating disease like multiple sclerosis)
• Genetic diseases affecting the central nervous system
• Mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder)
• Brain tumors

Our neuropsychology service does not provide evaluations for ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or developmental disorders. We provide clinical evaluations and do not perform any legal or forensic evaluations, such as for worker's compensation and formal capacity assessments.

A neuropsychologist is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in understanding the structure and function of the brain in relation to specific psychological, and cognitive processes and behaviors. Neuropsychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and have completed two years of post-doctoral training in neuropsychology. Our neuropsychologists, many of whom are board certified in neuropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology, have many years of experience and specialized expertise in working with individuals with a variety of conditions.

A psychometrist is an individual with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree who has advanced training in administering and scoring a wide range of standardized psychological and/or neuropsychological tests, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist.

Our psychometrists all have extensive experience and expertise in administering these assessments for a variety of patients, while providing a supportive and calm environment. As testing can often take several hours, the psychometrist will gladly answer any questions or concerns you have about the testing process and ensure you have breaks, as needed. 

The assessment involves clinical interviews with you and a family member or close friend, when possible, to understand your history and how cognitive and emotional changes affect your life and daily functioning. The interview can take up to an hour.

You will then complete neuropsychological testing with either the neuropsychologist and/or a trained psychometrist. You will be tested alone in a quiet room. Family members or friends will be asked to wait in the waiting room. 

Neuropsychological testing involves:

• A non-invasive process using a variety of written and verbal tasks that are completed while seated at a table. These tests can be paper-and-pencil and/or computerized.
• The testing is performed by a neuropsychologist and a trained psychometrist.
• The total time for evaluation depends on the referral question. Testing is usually completed in one visit and the time for the evaluation usually ranges from three to seven hours.
• If English is not your first and/or primary language, an interpreter may be present to assist with the evaluation. Family members cannot be used as an interpreter. 

You will be emailed or mailed forms prior to your appointment, which can include a Neuropsychology Questionnaire and a Relative Assessment Form. Please bring the completed forms with you to your appointment. Incomplete forms may lengthen the interview time and increase the cost of the evaluation. Other relevant medical records may also be requested, such as doctors' notes. If you have had prior neuropsychological, psychological, or educational testing, please arrange to have those records sent to us for review prior to your appointment.

We also ask that you bring a family member or friend to the appointment to provide additional information about your daily functioning. This individual should plan to be available at the start of the appointment to meet with the neuropsychologist. However, he or she does not need to be here for the duration of the appointment, unless you require their assistance. 

A typical evaluation can last between 3-7 hours and is usually completed within one testing session. We may take a lunch break and other breaks as needed throughout the day. Please plan your schedule accordingly; we ask that you do not schedule other appointments on this day unless discussed ahead of time with the scheduler. 

• Questionnaires must be completed before you arrive and brought to your appointment. Incomplete questionnaires will delay the appointment and may result in rescheduling.
• Please eat before the appointment and bring snacks, as the evaluation can last several hours. We may break for lunch and there are several dining options available in the hospital.
• Please take your regularly prescribed medications, as scheduled. Avoid optional medications that cause drowsiness, like pain killers, and anti-anxiety and allergy medications.
• Bring a current list of your medications and their dosages.
• Bring your reading glasses or hearing aids.
• Bring a valid photo ID and health insurance card.
• Arrive on time. Please allow extra time for traffic, parking, and check-in. Your evaluation will start promptly at the scheduled time. Late arrival may result in rescheduling your appointment.

After the evaluation, the neuropsychologist interprets your test scores based on your unique history (educational, medical, and personal). These findings are summarized in a written report, which is part of your Stanford medical records, and sent to the referring physician.

To obtain copies of your report, you will need to contact Medical Records. It is up to the discretion of the neuropsychologist to allow the release of this report without a formal feedback session.

Your referring physician will receive a copy of the report. A feedback session with the neuropsychologist is available and encouraged to review the findings, impressions, recommendations, and possible referrals. At this time, a copy of the report may be provided.

Only as related to performance on neuropsychological testing through a one-time feedback session. We can provide recommendations for counseling options in your local community.