Neuropsychology

Neuropsychological assessments examine how illness or injury affects brain function. Our neuropsychologists evaluate mental functions like attention, behavior, language, problem-solving, processing speed, and memory, which can be impacted by neurological conditions. The results from these assessments help us understand how brain-related issues affect development, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

Our staff of board-certified experts like neuropsychologists, psychologists, counselors, and specialists have extensive experience in helping people with various brain conditions like Alzheimer's and traumatic brain injury. With our diverse knowledge, we can tackle whatever cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues you may face.

Some major surgeries may require a psychological evaluation. This helps ensure you’re ready for surgery and able to make the necessary lifestyle changes for the procedure to be successful.

Surgeries that require pre-surgical evaluation and education include:

• Bariatric weight loss surgery
• Deep brain stimulation
• Intrathecal morphine pump implantation
• Shunting for normal-pressure hydrocephalus
• Spinal cord stimulator implantation

Our neuropsychology team’s experience uniquely positions us to deliver high-quality care to our patients. We work collaboratively with neurosurgeons, bariatric surgeons, and other specialists throughout Penn Medicine to provide individualized treatment plans for each of our patients.

Some of the treatments offered include:

• Biofeedback, using sensitive electrical equipment to help you become aware of your body’s reaction to stress, pain, and relaxation
• Relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, meditation or prayer, and even hypnosis to help reduce muscle tension, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and ease pain
• Stress management, which involves making lifestyle changes that reduce stressors, and learning to react differently to stressors

Using cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, we help patients reduce stress, manage pain, comply with health management recommendations, and make lifestyle changes important to their health and well-being. Our behavioral medicine program focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of chronic medical conditions.