Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty profession focusing on brain function. At the Barnes-Jewish & Washington University Neuroscience Center Neuropsychology Clinic, clinicians provide evaluation and treatment to patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, attention deficit disorder, and other brain disorders.
A clinical neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. Through objective testing of memory and thinking skills, brain function can be evaluated, and a diagnosis and treatment plan developed.
A typical neuropsychological evaluation will involve assessment of:
- General intellect
- Higher-level thinking skills, such as reasoning and problem-solving
- Attention and concentration
- Learning and memory
- Language
- Visual-spatial skills
- Motor and sensory skills
- Mood and personality
Patients often are referred by their physicians or as part of their neurologic rehabilitation after a trauma, such as a brain injury or stroke. Test results can be used to differentiate between illnesses, plan treatments, identify strengths and weaknesses from a cognitive standpoint, or determine capacity for everyday functions like driving, managing money or working productively.
For a referral to a Washington University neurologist or neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 855.925.0631.