Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty profession that focuses on brain functioning and includes the assessment, diagnosis and remediation of conditions affecting the central nervous system. This involves comprehensive assessment of brain function with standardized tests and clinical procedures.

Clinical neuropsychologists can enhance diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, educational, and vocational planning. Neuropsychological consultation is especially valuable as an objective measure of pre- and post-treatment functioning, and in the detection and early diagnosis of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative conditions.

Neuropsychological services at Firelands Regional Medical Center provide consultation and evaluation to inpatients and outpatients ages 18 years and older (adolescents approved on a case-by-case basis) with a broad range of conditions, including:

• Memory disorders/neurodegenerative disorders;
• Acquired brain injury (stroke, TBI, CNS infection, encephalopathy, anoxia, etc.);
• Concussions;
• Multiple sclerosis;
• Parkinson’s disease;
• Epilepsy.

Common reasons for referral include:

• Rule out dementia versus pseudodementia;
• Evaluate cognitive impairment following head injury, stroke, or other cerebral accident;
• Providing baseline information to track cognitive change over time (e.g., to monitor recovery from injury, or deterioration with MS or dementia);
• Establishing or confirming a diagnosis;
• Establishing baseline or pre-treatment cognitive functioning, and post-treatment reviews (e.g., epilepsy surgery or pre- lumbar drain or shunting for normal pressure hydrocephalus, etc.);
• Assisting with the determination of functional limitations associated with cerebral dysfunction (e.g., home/driving, ability to benefit from therapy, level of supervision/independence);
• Assessing decision-making capacity;
• Worker’s compensation related to cerebral dysfunction.

To learn more about Neuropsychology, or to make a referral, call 419-557-7182.