A Neuropsychologist May Treat Patients In NYC Or Conduct Research

By Iva Cannon


The profession of the neuropsychologist may be involved in conducting research into new medications and how they affect individuals. They can also be found treating patients in a clinical setting. The neuropsychologist in NYC investigates new ways to help those suffering a disorder that has an effect on the central nervous system.

It brings together the combined principles of neuroscience, cognitive science and cognitive psychology. From those perspectives it shares a view of how the mind processes information. The practitioners facilitate treatment of patients through the use of rehabilitative therapy, medication or a surgical procedure.

A professional in this sub-specialty may practice anywhere from the busy New York, NY to the bustling city of Chicago. The requirements include a doctorate in psychology and extended training in neuropsychology. Treating patients with nervous system disorders will be the focus of his practice.

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.

Currently, Alzheimers disease can only be confirmed by autopsy, which of course, does nothing to help the patient while alive. If this professional can help identify it in the early stages, it will. This is a progressively more debilitating disease affecting cognition, memory and the very personality of an individual.

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.

Brain scans can provide useful information. There is the computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging used most routinely. Results are gauged against a control group of the same age and educational level. The subtle symptoms in the earliest stages of a disease are difficult to diagnose.

The complexity of the brain makes diagnosing any disease challenging. It has control centers for sensory information, motor skills and the production of language. When a speech disorder is present in a stroke patient, the Brocas area will be the control center to examine.

A neuropsychologist has an understanding of how the brain affects behavior. In his research he will prove the relationship that exists between them. When a physiological impairment exists it will have a direct effect on 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.

Neuropsychology is considered to be a new field of psychology. But, scientists have been interested in studying the human brain for hundreds of years. The understanding of its functions has interested researchers all along. When abnormal behavior is found it is compared to the behavior that is considered to be the norm. Changing abnormal behavior to improve lives is the goal of this profession.




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