A Neuropsychologist In NYC May Evaluate Pediatric Patients Or Elderly Stroke Patients

By Iva Cannon


Neuropsychology is an experimental branch of psychology. It is practiced in research facilities such as universities or laboratories. The neuropsychologist in NYC as well as other locations may be found working in a clinic or directing a clinical trial project to evaluate a new drug that affects the central nervous system.

He correlates the combined principles of cognitive psychology, neuroscience and cognitive science. He takes all into consideration to view how the human mind processes information it receives. Patients are helped by using medication, rehabilitation therapy and sometimes surgery.

The education of this practitioner includes a doctorate in psychology and post-doctoral training in neuropsychology. He can work in New York, NY or a small suburb in Illinois. His focus is the patient with a disorder affecting the nervous system.

After someone suffers a stroke, the extent of disability will require an evaluation. This is crucial to developing the best plan for treatment. If Parkinsons disease is discovered in the early stages, it gives the best chance at rehabilitation. There are medications that help to control this progressive disease.

The progressive disease, Alzheimers, cannot be confirmed until the patient has passed away. If a way to diagnose it while the patient is living can be found, it will be a real advantage in treating it. Currently, it robs the individual of memories, abilities and eventually, his very personality.

An assessment begins with an interview. The person is asked about what he does or does not remember. He will be asked how difficult it is to do simple tasks, like getting dressed each day. Standardized tests are administered and the prescription and over-the-counter medicines he takes will be considered.

Computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are brain scans that assist in making a diagnosis. The test results are compared to other individuals in the same or similar peer group. Problems that are severe are easier to diagnose. For subtle deterioration, significant testing is needed.

The brain being as complex as it is, a map may be required to examine it. There are control centers for perception, sensory skills and motor skills. For one example, the Brocas area is the location concerned with language.

The neuropsychologist is concerned with the way behavior is affected by the brain. He researches the relationship between the two. Any psysiological defect will directly affect behavior.

That understanding leads to identifying the brain dysfunction and how severe it is. From that point a plan can be devised that will help the patient in the optimal way. This professional may choose to work with pediatric patients or focus on the senior population and treat demetia.

Although neuropsychology is a relatively new field, the study of the human brain has been an endeavor of scientists for centuries. Understanding of how it functions and how it determines behavior is a field that has concerned scientists since before they were called scientists. Abnormal behavior can be compared to that of the average person in any age group. The goal is to help change abnormal behavior when possible.




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