Neuropsychological tests are used to meausre such thinking skills as memory, concentration, thinking speed and problem soliving abilities. The tests and test administration are pro-standardized so that all patients are evaluated in a similar manner. Test scores are compared against those of people who are demographically similar to the patient, so that we can control for the effects of age, gender, education, etc. The tests are used in conjunction with a thourough client interview, and a review of medical records to provide a comprehensive evaluation. The neuropsychological testing allows for a more detailed and objective assesment of thinking skills than could be achieved with an interview alone.
The testing materials are primarily paper and pencil tests, although some use puzzle-like props and some are administered with a computer. The tests are not painful or harmful.
Neuropsychological evaluations can differentiate between normal and decreased thinking skills. They can also quantify the amount of difficulty a person may be having, and can also identify areas of strength to assist with rehabilitation planning. Dr. Drasnin's reports focus on treatment options, compensatory strategies and behavioral interventions that can be used to manage changes in thinking skills.
Examples of issues addressed in Dr. Drasnin's report include:
- A person's ability to live independently
- Types of assistance a person may need to manage various activities of daily living
- Ability to drive
- Capacity to make decisions about one's medical care
- Response to medications and neurological procedures
- Whether memory problems are consistent with the normal aging process
- Help confirm neurological diagnoses
- Whether stress is the major cause for a person's memory problems
- Provide a baseline against which a future neurological testing can be compared to document
changes and response to treatment
- Measures readiness to return to work
- Determines disability
- Extent of recovery from neurological conditions
- Need for accommodations in school or college
- Vocational planning.
