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Neurology

Strong Epilepsy Center

Tests - Neuropsychological Evaluation

Neuropsychology is the study of the brain and behavior.

The brain controls various mental and physical activities: paying attention, remembering, reasoning, recognizing what you see, coordinating the movements of your muscles, speaking and understanding language.

A Neuropsychological Evaluation is used to analyze these brain functions and to help identify an individual's strengths and weaknesses.

To Prepare For The Evaluation:

  • Take your normal medication.
  • Try to be well-rested.
  • We will take a lunch break. Please bring money to buy a lunch in our cafeteria or you may bring a bag lunch.
  • Dress in comfortable clothes.
  • Remember to bring your eyeglasses, hearing aid or whatever you normally use to hear and see well.
    A letter will be sent to you confirming the date and time of your appointment.

The evaluation consists of a series of tests which assess a wide range of abilities. Some of the tests may be similar to those you may have taken in school (reading, writing, answering questions). Others will seem more like playing games and solving puzzles. You may also be given a questionnaire which asks about your thoughts, feelings, past experiences, and relationships. Some of the tests may seem easy, and others may be very challenging.

Unlike the tests you have taken in school, a Neuropsychological Evaluation does not give you a "pass" or "fail" grade. Information gathered from these tests helps the SEC team understand your individual strengths and weaknesses.

When you arrive for your appointment, the neuropsychologist will explain the tests in detail. Please ask any questions you may have.

If you are seen as an outpatient, the evaluation will take 3-4 hours. If it is done while you are in the hospital, it will be completed as your schedule permits.

After the evaluation, the information we obtain from the Neuropsychological Evaluation is put together in a report. This information, along with your laboratory tests, helps the Strong Epilepsy Center team understand your seizure disorder and plan the best treatment for you.

Your physician will receive a copy of this report and he or she will share this information with you.