Clinical services
Diagnosis
Dr. Blackwood conducts neuropsychological assessments on individuals ages 18 and older to identify and/or clarify a variety of problems, such as those listed below. Assessments differ according to the type of problems being addressed. Examinations can take a couple of hours to complete in some cases, while others might take several hours altogether. Appointments can be scheduled to accommodate special needs. Our office staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our procedures.
Neuropsychological evaluations can help patients with many different disorders, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), ranging from concussion to severe injury
- Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia
- Stroke
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Epilepsy
- Substance use disorder
- Brain tumors
- Effects of poisons and environmental hazards
- Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis
- Brain effects of AIDS
- Tourette Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Adult Autism Spectrum Disorders
Neuropsychological assessments provide objective documentation of an individual’s capabilities in a number of areas, including:
- motor function (strength, dexterity)
- sensory function (for example, vision, sense of touch)
- use of language
- many different types of memory
- many different types of intelligence
- organization and control of behavior
- planning skills
The tests are noninvasive and differ from imaging techniques such as MRI in that they require people to use their brains in a variety of tasks to see how the brain is actually working.
Behavior/Personality may also be assessed, along with an assessment of situational or environmental factors that might be contributing to a problem.
Treatment
Our office provides diagnostic and consultative services only. Once a diagnosis has been made and relevant problems have been identified, a report is prepared for the referring party; for example, your physician. This report includes the diagnostic conclusions and recommendations for any needed treatment or therapy, as well as other appropriate recommendations concerning work, school, or community activities.
Depending upon the type of problem involved, recommendations might include neurorehabilitation, stress management, various types of psychotherapy, family therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, social skills training, or referral for other medical diagnostic procedures.