Neuropsychological Evaluations in Allen, TX
Explore changes in memory, attention, and thinking after a traumatic brain injury or when dementia is a concern.
Ask about a neuropsychological evaluation
What the evaluation measures
A neuropsychological evaluation combines an interview, records, and standardized testing to understand how thinking skills relate to everyday functioning. The clinician looks for a pattern across areas such as attention, learning and memory, language, and planning. The tests depend on the question you and your referring clinician want answered.
American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology on adult testing
Testing after traumatic brain injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur after a blow or jolt to the head or body. A concussion is a mild TBI. Some people experience lingering difficulty with focus, remembering new information, organizing tasks, or keeping up with the pace of work or school.
When changes persist after the initial medical evaluation, testing can describe which skills are affected and which remain strong. The clinician considers injury records and the course of recovery, along with sleep, pain, fatigue, medications, and emotional stress. Findings may inform rehabilitation and practical strategies. For example, the treating team may consider shorter workdays or a gradual return to a full school schedule when symptoms affect stamina or concentration.
CDC on concussion symptoms
VA/DoD guidance on post-acute mild TBI
Mayo Clinic on concussion evaluation and recovery
Dementia and memory concerns
A memory evaluation can help clarify when changes began, which thinking skills have changed, and how those changes affect everyday independence. A person with mild cognitive impairment may notice changes and still manage most daily activities independently. Dementia involves a decline that interferes with independent functioning.
Testing may look at learning new information, recalling it later, finding words, and organizing or solving problems. With permission, input from someone who knows the person well can help describe changes with appointments, finances, or medication routines. Results can provide a baseline and help the medical team consider next steps alongside a medical history, exam, and any other testing it recommends.
National Institute on Aging on dementia and diagnosis
Mayo Clinic on evaluating possible Alzheimer’s disease
What to expect
Interview and records
The clinician asks what changed, when you noticed it, and what you want the evaluation to clarify. Bring a medication list, relevant medical or rehabilitation records, prior testing, and examples of changes in daily life if available.
Testing selected for your question
You may complete verbal, written, or computer-based tasks. Tell the office about vision, hearing, language, fatigue, or mobility needs when scheduling.
Feedback and recommendations
The clinician explains the pattern of results and what it means for your referral. Recommendations may address practical strategies, additional medical evaluation, or supports at work, school, or home.
Common questions
What’s the difference between psychological and neuropsychological testing?
Both evaluations can use interviews, rating scales, and standardized measures. The referral question determines which skills the clinician examines in detail.
Psychological testing
This evaluation can look at emotions, behavior, mood, personality, and general intellectual functioning. It can help answer questions about anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or personality concerns. A licensed psychologist trained in the assessment may use interviews, rating scales, questionnaires, and selected standardized tests.
Neuropsychological testing
This evaluation examines how brain functioning relates to thinking and behavior. A clinical neuropsychologist selects tasks that may measure attention, memory, language, processing speed, planning, visual-spatial ability, or motor skills. Typical activities can include remembering information, drawing, solving puzzles, or responding to items on a computer. Referrals can involve TBI, stroke, dementia, epilepsy, brain tumors, or complex learning and attention concerns.
Clinical neuropsychologists have specialty training in brain–behavior relationships, typically including postdoctoral training. A trained technician may administer some tasks under supervision.
How long does testing take?
Timing depends on the referral and tests selected. As examples, Vienna Psychological Group estimates about 1–4 hours of psychological testing and 6–7 hours for comprehensive neuropsychological testing, plus interviews. Ask the Allen office for an estimate for your evaluation.
Cleveland Clinic on neuropsychological testing
Vienna Psychological Group’s example testing times
Ask about testing
Contact the Allen office or call (972) 954-7188. Tell the office what changed, when you noticed it, and whether another clinician requested the evaluation.