What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation provides comprehensive assessment in individuals in whom brain dysfunction or changes are evident or suspected. Assessment involves evaluation of higher-level cognitive abilities in order to identify possible causes, definition of strengths and weaknesses, and assistance with diagnosis.
Unlike traditional brain imaging such as CT or MRI, which may show brain abnormalities, neuropsychological testing examines how well the brain is functioning (for example, remembering new information). These functions or tasks form the necessary building blocks of successful daily functioning. Neuropsychological assessment can therefore be used to reveal or diagnose brain dysfunction when no structural brain abnormalities have been detected. Furthermore, when structural abnormalities have been identified, neuropsychological assessment provides a way to determine what higher level brain functions may be impaired, and help to determine the degree to which they may be impaired. Specifically, we examine memory and other cognitive functions including attention, language, and executive functioning.
There are 3 stages to the neuropsychological evaluation:
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The clinical interview or intake
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Testing
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Feedback
The Neuropsychological Evaluation Process
Clinical Interview
During this time, you meet with a neuropsychologist to discuss concerns or changes you or others have observed. We will also gather relevant background history (medical, family, educational, etc.).
Testing
In the next step, you spend 2-5 hours with the neuropsychologist or technician completing paper and pencil tasks, tasks on a computer or tablet, and filling out questionnaires.
The following areas may be evaluated:
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Language
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Memory
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Attention
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Speed of Processing
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Executive Functioning (planning, organizing, self-monitoring, impulse control)
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Visual Perception
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Intelligence
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Motor Skills
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Emotional/Personality
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Vocational
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Adaptive Skills (independence with daily tasks)
Feedback
About 1-2 weeks after testing, CCAC provides you with a comprehensive report. It includes:
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A summary of the background information provided during the intake interview;
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An in-depth review of all testing results;
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Any warranted diagnoses;
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Recommendations for home, vocational and community-based supports.
Follow-Up
You are encouraged to share the results of your evaluation with other medical providers to set up next steps.
Questions?
We are always here to answer your questions. Please give us a call at (773) 420-9499 or send us an email at info@chicagolandcognitive.com.
Meet Dr. Maia Feigon, PhD, ABPP
I am a board-certified neuropsychologist with more than 10 years of experience located in Chicago, IL. Training-wise, I attended the Illinois Institute of Technology, completed my internship in neuropsychology at the University of Florida (UF), and my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). My background is in clinical and rehabilitation psychology and I currently specialize in both evaluation of older adults and evaluation of cognition related to medical conditions or injuries. Specifically, I evaluate memory problems, including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Additionally, I also evaluate for cognitive concerns related to head injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cancers, and metabolic disease. Lastly, I also conduct evaluations of Intellectual Disability. As part of my overall services, I provide comprehensive cognitive assessments of observed concerns and give tailored feedback to individuals and their loved ones.
Who Should See CCAC?
We work most closely with older adults regarding potential issues of memory and cognition. At present, we are not conducting evaluations of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or learning disorders.
Contact Us
Phone
Address
1300 W. Belmont Ave., Ste 205
Chicago, IL 60657
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday: By appointment
Our office is located at the corner of Belmont and Lakewood. The handicap ramp is on the far end of the side of the parking lot. A second entrance is along Lakewood Ave.
Parking: There is metered parking along both Lakewood Ave. & Belmont Ave. Please note, you are NOT permitted to park in the lot. There is also covered public parking directly across the street in the Northwestern Medicine building.
Public Transit: #77 Belmont bus (bus stop directly in front of or across from building).
The Chicago Transit Authority's Brown, Red, and Purple lines stop at Belmont Station only a few blocks away.
For questions, please give our office a call or email and we would be glad to assist you.
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