Neuropsychology
Evaluating the impact of illness and injury on the brain
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.
Neurological conditions we commonly evaluate
Pre-surgical neuropsychological assessment for optimal results
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 may include:
- Deep brain stimulation
- MR-guided focused ultrasound
- Intrathecal morphine pump implantation
- Shunting for normal-pressure hydrocephalus
- Spinal cord stimulator implantation
- Ventricular assist device implantation
- Awake craniotomy surgery
- Transplant surgery
Healing chronic conditions through behavioral medicine
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.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.
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Patient stories
Support for families navigating dementia care
Eli Caplan, whose wife Janet died of Alzheimer’s disease, is committed to helping other families getting social support for caregiving. “There’s no place in the world like Penn and the Penn Memory Center. I don’t think there’s a better place you can go, and that is why I think people will get the most benefit for my giving here.”
Actress returns to the stage after finding seizure relief
“Even though it had only been five years, epilepsy had taken away [the] career that meant so much to me.”
Epilepsy surgery gave Ann Rossi a new lease on life
“I was lucky if I could hold on to a thought for more than a few seconds. Now I’m retaining information for a couple of weeks. I’m having a hard time describing this experience as anything but life-changing.”
A tiny laser gave one patient relief from lifelong seizures.
"Minimally invasive surgery with lasers allows us access to areas [of the brain] that were traditionally not accessible in many patients."
Steve Lengle's sepsis care, safe at home
The Advanced Home Health team worked through Steve Lengle's fear of needles and dislike for medical procedures to treat him with IV antibiotics and fluids in the comfort of his home. “The whole Penn Medicine Advanced Home Health team was fantastic,” his wife Michelle said. “It was a godsend, not just for my husband, but for me.”
Emergency protocol delivers fast, lifesaving stroke care
Dick recalled a paramedic asking him questions, but he was unable to respond. The moments that followed were largely a blur.
An unexpected diagnosis and a surreal surgery
“No one ever wants to go through this, but having this support system in place for my own journey has helped me to feel like I’m in the best hands at every turn.”
Former news anchor recounts brain surgery at Penn Medicine
“I was a Penn Medicine brain surgery patient. I am also a woman thriving now with a healthy brain.”
When Coach Kepler needed rapid care
"I am so grateful that the coaches knew the signs of stroke,” said Marianne Kepler. “By acting so swiftly, they helped save Darryl’s life. Know the signs of stroke. If you or someone you know are showing symptoms, don’t delay getting help,” she said.