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INFORMATION ABOUT NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTATIONINDICATIONS FOR A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTATIONA neuropsychological consultation is indicated when it is suspected that injury of illness involving the brain has resulted in cognitive, behavioral and or emotional deficits. Referrals are typically made to assist in the diagnosis of medical, neurological and psychological conditions to describe their impact on an individual's functioning and to identify necessary treatments and interventions. A neuropsychological consultation may be required as part of a disability determination and in forensic or legal proceedings. It is particularly helpful for the following conditions:Traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular accident (stroke), degenerative neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease), dementia, seizure disorder, pre- and post- neurosurgical evaluation, medical illness, effects of toxic chemicals, drugs and medications, attention deficit and learning disability, psychiatric disturbances. A neuropsychological consultation can confirm or clarify diagnoses and identify a patient's strengths and weaknesses in order to guide treatments, document changes in functioning over time and assist with rehabilitation and vocational counseling. PROCEDURES USED IN THE NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTATIONNeuropsychological examinations can vary widely because the particular tests are selected to yield the most comprehensive understanding of each patient's neurological issues. The examination will involve a wide range of tasks, most of which will be done sitting at a table. There are no invasive procedures, needles or electrodes involved. Most consults will include a thorough review of your medical records including brain imaging (CT scan, MRI), recent blood work and notes from your neurologist and/or primary care physician.The Neuropsychologist will interview you and ask you many in-depth questions about your history. A series of specialized tests will be used to measure such things as attention, concentration, memory, motor skills, visual spatial skills, etc., as they relate to brain functioning. The examination can take from 2-8 hours of face-to-face testing and 2-4 hours of analysis, depending on what information is sought. The Neuropsychologist will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about this process at the time of your examination. QUALIFICATIONS TO CONDUCT NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTATIONSIn order to conduct a neuropsychological consult, an individual must have a doctoral degree in psychology including pre-doctoral training in neuropsychology and a formal two-year post-doctoral fellowship with training in neurology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropathology. The neuropsychologists at Associated Neurologists, Dr. Stephen Peters, Psy.D. and Dr. Michelle Bobulinski, Ph.D., have met these qualifications and hold the credentials required by the American Psychological Association and National Academy of Neuropsychology.
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