NEUROLOGICAL EVALUATION

A neurological evaluation consists of a physical exam and a number of simple and painless tests. These tests aim to assess your neurological function, including muscle strength, autonomic nerve function, and your ability to feel different sensations. Our physicians at Hope Neurological & Medical Services will provide further testing for any neurological disorder you could be suffering from.

WHAT IS NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING?

A neuropsychological evaluation measures how well a person’s brain is working. The abilities tested include reading, language usage, attention, learning, processing speed, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, mood and personality, and more.

WHAT MENTAL FUNCTIONS ARE ASSESSED IN A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM?

If you are undergoing a neuropsychological assessment, the mental functions tested include:

  • General intellect
  • Reading/reading comprehension
  • Attention/concentration
  • Learning and memory
  • Reasoning
  • Processing speed
  • Visuospatial skills
  • Motor speed and dexterity
  • Mood and personality
  • Executive functions higher-level skills to organize, plan, manage time, problem solve, multi-task, make judgments, and maintain self-control.
  • Language usage and understanding of what others say

WHAT COMMON COMPLAINTS MIGHT SIGNAL THE NEED FOR A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TEST?

See your healthcare professional for a referral for a neuropsychological assessment if you or a loved one show any of the following signs:

  • Changes in short-term memory, asking the same question repeatedly
  • Poor attention and concentration; doesn’t appear to listen; gets confused in conversation
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty recognizing things
  • Poor judgment/decision-making
  • Visuospatial difficulties, including difficulty drawing or using a map
  • Difficulty recognizing familiar persons
  • Frequently losing items or getting lost easily
  • Language difficulty; trouble speaking or finding words or understanding what others say
  • New difficulty with understanding or managing bills or finances

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR THE NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION?

  • Get a good night’s sleep
  • Try to eat a good breakfast
  • Take all your medications as usual unless instructed otherwise
  • If you use glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, ensure you have them
  • If you have had any neuropsychological, psychological, or academic testing done in the past, bring those records with you

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Call our clinic at (404) 631-6156 for our neurological evaluation so our doctors can determine the right course of treatment.

Hope Neurological & Medical Services