What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a specialized, in-depth assessment of brain functioning. It involves an interview to gather background information, followed by standardized tests that measure areas such as memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills.
Unlike a brief screening, this type of evaluation looks at a wide range of abilities in detail, providing a comprehensive picture of how the brain is working. Results are then used to guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and practical recommendations that support daily life.
Who needs a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation can be helpful for anyone experiencing changes in thinking, memory, or behavior. These changes may be subtle or significant, and the evaluation helps clarify whether they are related to normal aging, neurological or medical conditions, or other contributing factors. The results of the evaluation help provide a clearer picture of cognitive strengths and challenges, guide diagnosis, and inform treatment planning.
Common reasons patients are referred for a neuropsychological evaluation include:
Memory loss or concerns about dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions
Changes in attention, problem-solving, or decision-making
Pre-surgical evaluations for procedures such as epilepsy surgery or deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Monitoring the cognitive effects of neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease)
Assessment before or after a neurological event (e.g., stroke)
Concerns about how medical conditions (e.g., sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, cancer treatment) may affect cognition
Clarifying whether cognitive changes are related to medical, emotional, or lifestyle factors
and more!
What to expect:
The first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roop through the Neurobehavioral Institute of Austin. During this initial phone call, our staff will gather some basic information about the patient and the reasons for requesting an evaluation. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive paperwork to complete in advance, which covers background information and relevant medical history. Providing this information ahead of time helps ensure that your evaluation is thorough and tailored to your needs.
1) Scheduling
Every evaluation begins with an intake session, lasting about 45 minutes. During this time, Dr. Roop meets with the patient (and sometimes family members) to better understand the concerns, history, and current level of functioning.
After the intake, the patient completes testing with either Dr. Roop or a trained technician. These are paper-and-pencil–style tasks that measure different aspects of thinking and memory. The length of testing varies depending on the purpose of the evaluation and the patient’s needs, but typically lasts 1–4 hours.
In some cases, the intake and testing occur on the same day; in others, they are scheduled separately. This will be discussed during the initial scheduling phone call.
2) Intake & Testing
Once testing is complete, patients return for a one-hour feedback session to review the results of the evaluation. This appointment usually takes place 1–2 weeks after testing and can be conducted either in person or via telehealth. During feedback, Dr. Roop explains the findings in clear, practical terms and provides recommendations tailored to the patient’s needs. Upon request, the final written report can also be sent to the referring provider.