Neuropsychology
Neuropsychologists are
concerned with cognitive, behavioral and emotional
symptoms that occur with different brain disorders.
In patients with epilepsy, changes in thinking,
personality and mood can be due to the brain abnormality
that is causing the seizures, the seizures themselves,
the medications given to control the seizures,
and the stress associated with adjustment to a
chronic medical problem. Neuropsychologists assess
patients to identify and monitor mental, behavioral
and emotional symptoms before and after treatment.
They also provide behavioral therapies to help
patients and families better understand and cope
with the psychological changes associated with
epilepsy.
Neuropsychologists at the
Penn Epilepsy Center are at the forefront of research
in this field. Studies using advanced brain imaging
techniques are under way to examine relationships
between different behavioral symptoms and brain
dysfunction in epilepsy patients. We're also studying
the effects of behavioral symptoms on psychosocial
and emotional adaptation in order to improve quality
of life for patients and families dealing with
epilepsy.
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