Neuropsychologists play an essential role in diagnosing and treating those with neurological conditions and disorders. In this article, we will provide all the information you need about neuropsychologists, what they do, and who they help.

What is a Neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a special type of psychologist that focuses on understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior complex.

The brain is a complex machine, and the job of a neuropsychologist is to try and understand how specific structures and systems in the brain relate to behavior and thinking, and how they can be impacted by mental disorders.

We already know that mental disorders alter the behavior and cognitive function of those with them, but neuropsychologists work to understand why.

With this information, they can help diagnose neurological disorders and create treatment plans that will most benefit the individual. In some cases, neuropsychologists also help gauge how serious an injury or disorder is.

Who Does a Neuropsychologist Work With?

A neuropsychologist can work with a range of individuals who have various types of nervous system disorders.

As the brain withstands illnesses, injuries, or diseases, the way in which it functions can change, affecting the way we think, feel, and behave. Some symptoms that may warrant the assistance of a neuropsychologist include:

• mood disturbances
• memory difficulties
• nervous system dysfunction
• learning difficulties

A neuropsychologist can help determine what impairments an individual has and how severe the impairments are.For example, a neuropsychologist can help diagnose the type of learning disability that someone has and develop a treatment plan.

If someone has had a stroke, which can have obvious or subtle effects on how the brain works, the neuropsychologist can determine the degree to which the stroke affected the individual. Many times, those who have had a head injury or stroke are referred to a neuropsychologist to determine how severe the damage is and plan rehabilitation.

Neuropsychological Evaluation

One of the most powerful tools that a neuropsychologist utilizes is a neuropsychological evaluation.

This evaluation allows the neuropsychologist to assess how the brain functions through an interview and questions involving your performance of daily tasks. Through these questions, they can also help to identify memory issues and any mental health concerns.

The evaluation covers different areas of brain functioning, including:

• cognitive ability
• memory
• problem-solving
• personality
• emotion
• reasoning

Certain types of brain scans, such as MRI or CT scans, can also be used in conjunction with a neuropsychological assessment in order to assist the neuropsychologist in making a diagnosis.

Neuropsychological assessments allow neuropsychologists to make a diagnosis when other diagnosis methods have proven unhelpful. They also can detect mild issues that otherwise might not have been seen due to how subtle they are.Once the neuropsychologist has come to a diagnosis, they can work with you to create a treatment plan.

If you think a neuropsychologist may benefit you, call Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic to talk to one of our exceptional team members or schedule an appointment.

Sources

[1] https://www.brainandspine.org.uk/news/what-does-a-neuropsychologist-do/

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/neuropsychologist