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The Neuropsychologist In NYC May Work With Patients Or Do Research

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.

For example, someone in this branch of psychology might be found practicing in New York, NY or a small town in Pennsylvania. His or her educational background will include a doctoral degree in psychology with additional training in the sub-specialty of neuropsychology. They go on to treat patients who have disorders of 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.

Alzheimers disease can be evaluated. However, its presence can only be confirmed through an autopsy. Of course, that is no help to the patient while alive. The assessment will therefore be based on symptoms. This disease robs the patient of memory, cognitive ability and erases the personality eventually.

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.

It is the optimal understanding of the way the brain dictates behavior that the neuropsychologist brings to the table. His studies focus on the relationship between them. Any physiological disorder will directly affect behavior.

Understanding that fact leads to an identification of the dysfunctional part of the brain and the severity of the disease causing it. Evaluation and treatment may be provided for patients in any age group. Usually this professional selects either pediatrics or the adult population to treat.

Studies of the human brain have been done for hundreds of years. Neuropsychology, however, is considered to be a relatively new area. The profession endeavors to understand how the brain functions and how behavior is directly affected by any disorder or disability. Changing abnormal behavior whenever possible is the common goal of this professional.




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