Clients often ask what comes next after neuropsychological assessment. For some people, having a diagnosis or an understanding of what is going on for them is enough. Others require more intensive follow up and guidance with remediation of their difficulties and/or implementation of strategies to help them overcome their cognitive difficulties. Sessions can be arranged to cover the following topics: psychoeducation for both client and carer about their cognitive problems, lifestyle factors that might affect their thinking, an understanding of how the brain works and the effects of other medical or psychiatric conditions on thinking; assistance with implementation of strategies to overcome cognitive problems (e.g. practical guidance of diary/calender use, use of alarms and reminders on a mobile phone etc); guidance with cognitive remediation through use of computer games, internet-based software programs specifically for enhancing cognitive skills and other activities that improve cognition. This usually takes between 4 and 6 sessions, depending on the client’s needs. Medicare rebates may be available if clients are under a Mental Health Care plan with their GP. Private health insurance rebates are usually available for people with extras cover.
Brain Injury: articles on this topic
Rehabilitation and Remediation
Monday, October 26th, 2009Trouble with school or uni work?
Saturday, February 7th, 2009You may be the kind of person who has always had problems with school work, whether it be difficulty concentrating in class, reading and writing problems or troubles with written expression. This may be attributable to a particular medical problem that you are aware of, or you may never have needed to have it investigated as you always “got by”.
Often these problems become more apparent in Year 11 and 12, or when a person has commenced University studies due to the challenges of such study. If you have a problem that can be diagnosed such as cognitive deficits relating to a past brain injury or other neurological problem, ADHD, or a learning difficulty (such as a reading, spelling or maths disorder), you may be eligible for concessions to assist with your studies. This can include help such as a scribe or reader during exams, extra time to complete assignments and/or exams or ongoing assistance from a Disability Support Officer.
Neuropsychological assessment will assess areas such as IQ, reading/spelling/maths skills, attention, processing speed and memory to determine if you have a specific cognitive problem that may indicate one of the above diagnosable disorders. Of course, the assessment may find that you have a weakness in some area but not a diagnosable problem, and the focus will then be on identification of strengths and finding ways of getting around the cognitive weaknesses you have.
Please note Ms Lucas only sees people who are aged 16 and over.
Decision Making Capacity
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009Sometimes people with a disorder affecting brain functioning (e.g. dementia, brain injury, intellectual delay, stroke) can have problems reliably making decisions about important issues such as whether they are capable of managing to live independently, whether they should be driving, whether they should undergo a medical procedure, financial management or even making a will. This is especially the case if they do not realise they have a problem with their thinking.
Neuropsychological assessment of decision making capacity is often carried out when such concerns are raised. They can form part of an application for Guardianship or Financial Management made through the Guardianship Tribunal. Solicitors with concerns about their clients capacity to make a will or decide on Enduring Guardianship or Power of Attorney may request an assessment to ensure their client can sign such a document.
In addition to the neuropsychological tests being administered and interpreted, the individual being assessed is questioned about the relevant issue to gauge whether they have remembered the relevant information, can weigh up the pros and cons of the decision and can accordingly make a decision with adequate judgement and reasoning.
If you have concerns about someone’s capacity to make such a decision, please talk to their treating doctor or their solicitor, as appropriate, to see whether neuropsychological assessment is warranted.
What is neuropsychological assessment?
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008Neuropsychological assessment is the detailed examination of cognitive skills (such as memory, attention, processing speed and problem solving), in order to examine brain-behaviour relationships.
The assessment involves paper and pencil type tests, as well as practical problem solving tests and the answering of questions. There are often some questionnaires to complete also. The tests used are standardised (i.e. given to a sample of people without brain impairment to provide a comparison) and well researched. None of the tests are physically invasive. Generally, assessments take between 3 and 5 hours (including interview and rest breaks), depending on the purpose of the assessment.
Skills assessed often include:
- Intelligence (IQ)
- Memory
- Attention/concentration
- Thinking speed
- Spatial skills
- Language
- Higher level executive functions (e.g. problem solving, planning, reasoning)
- Emotional/psychological functioning
- Academic skills (e.g. reading, spelling, maths)
After completing the tests, the individual’s test scores are then compared to people of similar age and background in order to determine whether there are any cognitive problems, and how severe they may be. The pattern of results across tests are then analysed and combined with background information about educational, occupational, social and medical history to either exclude or diagnose brain-related medical disorders and/or explain the consequences of such a disorder.
Getting back to work or study after an accident
Monday, December 1st, 2008After suffering severe injuries in a work or car accident, people often go through a lengthy rehabilitation process (sometimes with the aid of a private or public rehabilitation service) during which they unable to work or study. If you (or a client of yours) feel you are experiencing memory or concentration changes following your injuries, it may be harder for you to return to work. This is especially the case if you have had a brain injury.
Neuropsychological assessment can help with determining what thinking problems you may have, and what sort of work might be suitable for you. We can also provide strategies to assist with return to work, such as modifications to your existing workplace or areas you may need assistance with from your rehabilitation provider.
Common memory concerns
Monday, December 1st, 2008People often experience memory lapses in day to day life, especially if they are very busy or stressed about something. Such lapses might include losing your keys, going to a room to get something and forgetting why you were there, losing your train of thought during conversation, forgetting what you just read, or forgetting to pass on a phone message.
It is often difficult for people to distinguish between what is normal, and what might be the start of something more worrying. This is where more in depth assessment of memory can be useful. If you are concerned either about yourself or a loved one, please speak to your GP to see whether neuropsychological assessment might be right for you.