What is the role of a neuropsychologist?
Do you ever walk into a room and forget why you went there? Do you have difficulties staying focused on a task? Is it sometimes hard to find a word that you know you want to say? Is it getting harder to multi-task and/or your memory just isn't what it used to be?
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A neuropsychologist is a clinical practitioner who investigates disruptions or changes to the cognitive system, such as your memory, your language, your concentration and problem solving abilities. To this effect, we investigate the cognitive consequences of head trauma, stroke, heart attack, illness and degenerative disorders, like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's Diseases.
We also investigate the cognitive capacities of individuals with learning disabilities, gifted individuals, AD/(H)D, autism, epilepsy, etc. The goal of a neuropsychologist is to ascertain the cognitive functioning of an individual (their capabilities, potential and changes) balanced against the context of the individual's daily life in order to better understand how well that individual can navigate their daily routines. Depending on the specific medical question being asked, the neuropsychologist studies, analyzes and interprets the extent and limits of cognitive performance.
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As a neuropsychologist, I play a collaborative role in establishing medical diagnoses for cognitive disorders as well as determining the likelihood of an individual's ability to successfully participate in their daily living activities, either independently or with aid. This encompasses, based on the specific needs of the patient, their academic and intellectual abilities, professional reinsertion, independent living and the identification of necessary support structures and aids to supplement any alterations.
Who is this for?
If you, or a loved one,
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Are experiencing or portraying odd behaviors or changes related to memory, language, concentration, multi-tasking or problem-solving...
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Recently experienced a head trauma, a stroke, a heart attack, a seizure, a coma, encephalitis...
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If your child is having difficulties at school, under or over stimulation, hyperactivity, oppositional...
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... then a neuropsychological consultation is integral for understanding the specific deficits behind the difficulties your are facing, the degree of the alterations, their functional impacts in your everyday life and what can be done to compensate for them.
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The population for a neuropsychological evaluation is from ages 6 and up.
What types of tests?
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Intellectual Functioning (IQ) Tests
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Exhaustive Memory Tests
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Expressive and Receptive Language Tests
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Mathematical Capacities Tests
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Reading Tests
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Attention Tests
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Executive Function Tests
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Reasoning and Logical Tests
What do I need?
If you are referred by a medical professional, you will need whatever documentation has been provided to you. If you wear glasses, hearing aids or any other sort of medical support device, be sure to have them with you.
The services offered here are paramedical support services and not primary care. If you are experiencing a stroke or other medical emergency, contact emergency medical services, click here for information.
Information about the sessions...
Neuropsychological evaluations can be pretty lengthy and, depending on the initiating questions and the individual, can last from 2 to 3 hours. For this reason, the cost of a neuropsychological exam is calculated per test and not per session or hour. A standard neuropsychological evaluation includes a first consult with a medical history background check, testing sessions, a debriefing and a written report. The costs of a neuropsychological evaluation and IQ tests need to be discussed during a first consult, given the complexity of the testing and the nature of evaluation.
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The exam itself consists of in-take questions and background information from both the patient and, when possible, a close friend or relative. This allows for a more complete contextual construction of the patient's perceived experience and difficulties. Once the medical history check is complete, the patient will be evaluated alone, and any accompanying family members and friends will be asked to wait outside the testing room. This is to ensure optimal testing conditions (in certain circumstances, for the well-being of the patient, this can be adjusted, but it is not ideal).
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Once the testing is completed, a report will be typed and communicated to the treating medical professional (i.e. family doctor or treating neurologist). A final consult will also be scheduled where you or your family members will be informed of the results and may ask any pertinent questions relative to the findings. Recommendations pertaining to independent living, professional reinsertion, therapeutic support plans, etc. will be elaborated at this time.
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Psycho-educational information and therapeutic support sessions for individuals and family members are also available.
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If you would like to schedule a consultation or neuropsychological exam, click here.
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