top of page

Neuropsychological Evaluations

What We Do

We are lifespan neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists. Our neuropsychology service provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessment for children, adolescents, adults, and elderly populations. San Diego BrainWorks welcomes referrals from neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists and other medical and health professionals from San Diego and the community at large. 

​

A neuropsychological evaluation includes an interview with the neuropsychologist and a comprehensive battery of standardized computerized and paper-and-pencil tests of intellectual functioning, attention, concentration, memory, language, executive functioning, motor functioning, and learning strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation also include measures of behavior as well as instruments to assess mood and personality. After the tests are administered, scores are calculated based on normative data. The tests results provides the referring doctor with objective information about the patient’s functioning, and diagnostic considerations, in terms of specific issues that may benefit from intervention.

​

At San Diego BrainWorks each evaluation is personalized to address the reason for referral. Specific measures may vary according to the patient’s age, symptoms, and educational background. Following the interview and testing, a full, written report, complete with detailed and very specific recommendations is provided to the referring doctor and the client. We meet with our clients to provide feedback and answer any questions that may arise during the evaluation process. We also collaborate with others providers who may be involved in the treatment team in order to optimize the success of our clients.

How This Can Help You

Neuropsychological testing can help to determine an individuals baseline or current level of functioning, assess cognitive decline over time, and also evaluate an individuals cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the individuals testing results, various profiles and patterns emerge allowing the neuropsychologist to identify specific diagnoses as well as the strengths and weaknesses in a person so that accurate guidance for school, career, living situation, remediation, and/or treatment can be made.

 

Neuropsychological testing and assessment is also offered to children and adults who want to obtain a second opinion regarding their cognitive disorders. Sometimes, adults suspect for many  years that they suffer from a neuro-cognitive disorder that originated in childhood (e.g., ADHD, learning disability). Or, a family would like a second opinion or an IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation) for their child who was tested in the school system. Neuropsychological testing and assessment can determine whether such disorders are present.

 

Additionally, for children and adolescents neuropsychologist testing is indicated when you suspect your child is not achieving to his/her potential, your child does not enjoy school and as a result has behavioral issues that are not related to external factors, your child may need testing accommodations for standardized tests, your signficant strengths in some areas and unexplained weaknesses in others and/or you suspect your child may have an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder such as Autism, ADHD, and/or a Learning Disorder.

What Is Neuropsychological Testing

A neuropsychological evaluation includes an interview with the neuropsychologist and a comprehensive battery of standardized computerized and paper-and-pencil tests of intellectual functioning, attention, concentration, memory, language, executive functioning, motor functioning, and learning strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation also include measures of behavior as well as instruments to assess mood and personality. After the tests are administered, scores are calculated based on normative data. The tests results provides the referring doctor with objective information about the patient’s functioning, and diagnostic considerations, in terms of specific issues that may benefit from intervention.

​

At San Diego BrainWorks each evaluation is personalized to address the reason for referral. Specific measures may vary according to the patient’s age, symptoms, and educational background. Following the interview and testing, a full, written report, complete with detailed and very specific recommendations is provided to the referring doctor and the client. We meet with our clients to provide feedback and answer any questions that may arise during the evaluation process. We also collaborate with others providers who may be involved in the treatment team in order to optimize the success of our clients.

Assessment Areas & Clinical Services

Neuropsychological testing measures a patient’s strengths and weaknesses in the following areas:

  • Intelligence

  • Memory

  • Language

  • Attention

  • Visual-spatial functioning

  • Executive functioning

  • Processing speed

  • Behavior

  • Mood and Personality

When Is A Neuropsychological Evaluation Indicated?​

​

Recommended When

A neuropsychological evaluation is recommended if changes in cognitive function or behavior are suspected or to monitor the neuropsychological effects of medical and surgical therapies over time. 

​

Typical referrals are made to diagnose or rule out various conditions, and to describe their impact on a person's cognitive functioning.

  • Memory impairment and Dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Frontotemporal dementia)

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

  • Seizure disorder/epilepsy

  • Stroke and cerebrovascular disease

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) pre-and post-surgical evaluations

  • Traumatic brain injury and concussion

  • Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases

  • Brain tumor including pre- and post-surgical evaluations

  • Aphasia

  • Psychiatric disorders

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Examples Of Such Conditions in Adults/ Geriatric: ​

​

Examples Of Such Conditions in Adolescents/ Pediatric: ​

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Learning Disorders

  • Developmental Disorders

  • Genetic disorders and congenital neurologic conditions

  • Autism/Aspergers

  • Seizure disorder/epilepsy

  • Concussion

  • Psychiatric disorders

bottom of page