What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment designed to measure a person's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This process typically begins with an in-depth interview to gather details about a person's medical history, psychological well-being, and daily functioning, followed by a set of standardized tests administered by a trained technician under the supervision of a neuropsychologist. The evaluation covers multiple domains, such as memory, attention, executive functioning, language, and processing speed. It integrates information from medical records, interviews, and formal test results to create a detailed report that highlights both strengths and weaknesses and provides tailored recommendations for treatment or support.

Do you or a loved one have concerns about your thinking skills?

If so, a neuropsychological evaluation may be beneficial. During an evaluation, Dr. Baldassarre will first gather information about your psychological and physical well-being. You will then complete measures of cognitive and emotional functioning with the help of a trained technician. Dr. Baldassarre then takes information obtained from your medical records, the interview, and formal testing, and writes a comprehensive report highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. Should a diagnosis be relevant, she will provide one, along with treatment recommendations. Dr. Baldassarre will then meet with you to discuss the evaluation findings and any next steps.

Thinking skills can be impacted due to medical and psychological illnesses

Thinking skills impacted may include trouble with memory, attention, processing speed, executive functioning, language, and/or spatial skills. Dr. Baldassarre has extensive experience evaluating patients with conditions including (but not limited to):

  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Brain tumor

  • Chronic pain

  • Concussion

  • Hydrocephalus

  • Huntington’s disease

  • Hypoxic/anoxic brain injury

  • Epilepsy

  • Learning disorders

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Neurotoxin exposure (including chemotherapy agents)

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Perimenopause

  • Stroke

  • Substance use disorder

  • Sleep disorders

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Viral infection

  • Suspected neurodegenerative disease

    1. Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type

    2. Dementia with Lewy bodies

    3. Vascular dementia

    4. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration

    5. Other classes of disorder associated with aging

She is also an expert in psychiatric differential diagnosis (mood, anxiety, psychotic, somatic symptom, conduct, trauma, personality disorder, etc. Dr. Baldassarre can evaluate patients who are 13 years of age or older who speak English primarily.

My teen or school-aged young adult is struggling. Can an evaluation be helpful?

Certainly. Dr. Baldassarre screens for conditions, including inattention, hyperactivity, learning disorder, depression, and anxiety, within the context of an evaluation. Information obtained can help treat these symptoms, as well as associated behaviors (school refusal, screen addiction, substance use).

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Try your best to keep your routine as typical as possible. Eat your meals as you normally would, take your medications as prescribed, and try to get a good night’s rest before the evaluation. If you are traveling from a distance, make sure you leave yourself enough time for transit. Finally, if you use marijuana recreationally, it is suggested that you abstain from this substance for approximately one month before the evaluation.

What do I bring to my appointment?

It is very important for Dr. Baldassarre to have your most recent medical records to review, so please send these in advance of your appointment to our secure fax line at (708) 613-8881. If this is not possible, bring these records with you on the day of the evaluation. Medical records will include any prior neuropsychological evaluations, primary and specialty care office visit notes, hospital discharge summaries, and neuroimaging findings. She also asks that if you wear glasses or hearing aids that you make sure to bring these along.

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