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Neuropsychology

What is Neuropsychology?

Neuropsychology is a sub-specialty of professional psychology that provides diagnostic assessment of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes that occur due to neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative or acquired disorders of the brain. Neuropsychological assessment is available with a physician referral for patients with a variety of medical illnesses or when cognitive change or impairment is suspected due to:

  • Traumatic, anoxic, metabolic or toxic brain injury
  • Substance Abuse
  • Stroke
  • Dementia / Degenerative Disorders
  • Mild cognitive impairment
  • Seizure disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Brain Tumors
  • Memory Loss

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Assessment typically involves a clinical interview with patient and family members and formal cognitive testing. Individual assessment is geared to answer specific referral questions posed by the referral source. Testing may include measures of:  

  • Intellectual functioning
  • Memory
  • Language
  • Visuospatial abilities
  • Motor skills
  • Executive functioning (attention, speed of processing, planning/organization)
  • Academic achievement
  • Emotional/affective functioning

Neuropsychological assessment can provide useful information in a number of ways. It may be used to:

  • Identify mild or subtle cognitive deficits often critical to early diagnosis/treatment
  • Help to diagnose neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's Dementia
  • Establish a cognitive baseline to assist in later diagnostic assessments
  • Identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses to help with discussions of disease/injury recovery and course
  • Assist in decision-making regarding return to school, work, driving, sports, independent living, etc.
  • Educate patients and family regarding cognitive issues, recovery time frame and course, and development of compensatory and coping strategies

Neuropsychological Services Locations

Inpatient neuropsychological consultation services are also provided to patients being cared for at WakeMed Raleigh Campus.

How to Make an Appointment or Referral

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If you think you would benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation, speak first with your physician and ask that they write a prescription for the service (helps to assure insurance will consider it a covered benefit). Your physician can send in referral information (see Referrals below) or you can call us directly at 919-350-7878 for more information.

If you think your client or patient would benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation, please complete the Neuropsychology Referral Form and fax it, along with pertinent medical records, to 919-350-7130. We will then contact your patient directly to schedule the appointment, and will provide you with a copy of the evaluation upon completion. If you have questions, call the Neuropsychology Referral Line at 919-350-7878.

Day of the Appointment

Most outpatient appointments are scheduled in the morning. Please arrive about 30 minutes before the appointment time to register. Take all of your regular medicines that morning as prescribed and bring a list of current medications to your appointment. Please also bring copies of any pertinent medical records. 

Some reading may be required, so if you wear glasses, please bring them to the appointment. In addition, bring a family member with you. The appointment will likely take several hours and if it goes into the afternoon, you will be given a lunch break (please bring a lunch or money to purchase lunch). If you have questions or need directions, call 919-350-7878.

If you cannot make your appointment, please call us as soon as possible at 919-350-7878. Leave a message regarding your need to cancel or reschedule. A staff member will return your call as soon as possible.

Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services

WakeMed Neuropsychology is the largest and most comprehensive neuropsychology practice in the Triangle area. A full range of adult and pediatric neuropsychological services are provided.

 

Meet Our Staff

Ms. Kia Rutledge joined WakeMed Neuropsychology in 2022. Ms. Rutledge coordinates outpatient services for the department and can answer questions related to referrals and scheduling.

Neuropsychology Related Links: