Research Assessment 4 1

Research Assessment #4
Date: Oct, 22, 2017
Subject: Neurology
MLA Citation: ApaCenter. What Is the Difference Between a Neurologist and a

Neuropsychologist? Neuropsychological Assessments Frequently Asked Questions,
ApaCenter ,
www.apacenter.com/assessment-types/neuropsychological-assessments/neuropsycholo
gical-assessments-frequently-asked-questions/.
Analysis:
As I began conducting interviews the past week, I realized that the professionals I
spoke with collaborated with medical practitioners from fields, other than Neurology,
quite frequently. I know of the grey line that exists between different fields that all deal
with the brain in some form or another, and I thus wanted to research the precise
differences between Neurology and Neuropsychology, two fields that experience
overlap. In the article What is the Difference Between a Neurologist and a
Neuropsychologist?, published by ApaCenter, the clear distinctions in duties are listed
out, along with the differences in how patients are assessed. This is followed by an
extensive section about one of the most significant components that are treated - the
executive function - and how it can lead to collaboration between multiple fields. Going
into future interviews, having a better idea of the difference between Neurology and
Neuropsychiatry will be extremely beneficial in order for me to ask well-developed
questions.
To begin, neuropsychologists administer a battery of psychological tests, which

immediately serves to distinguish Neurology from Neuropsychology by describing how
patients are diagnosed. In addition, I learned that Neuropsychology is geared more
towards helping a patient in the recovery and learning process while, on the other hand,
Neurology is more involved in the diagnosis process. Thus, it is evident to me that
finding the actual disorder is the biggest component of Neurology, which substantiates
the abnormally long diagnosis process for new patients. I also now realize that, because
Neuropsychology involves explaining certain behaviors, inferences must oftentimes be
made in order to properly trace the individuals pattern of strengths and weaknesses.
Because of these inferences, I prefer Neurology, as Neurology offers more concrete
evidence that can lead to a more in-depth diagnosis.
Another aspect discussed in the article was the difference in assessments. Due to
the fact that neurological assessments oftentimes base their proceedings of off test
readings, I see an increased benefit in using CT or MRI scans that the neurologist will be
able to analyze. Because the list of mental characteristics evaluated throughout a
neuropsychology exam can range anywhere from a test of the memory to the ability to
solve complex problems, results will most likely be reliable and unbiased. I appreciate
the testing portion of neuropsychological exams, as continuously evaluating different
abilities of the brain makes it easier to obtain an idea of a patients overall functioning of
the body. Both assessments include the possibility of collaboration, which is where I
believe mix-ups between the fields originate from. For example, because a neurological
exam cannot assess ones emotional status and cognition, neuropsychologists may step
in and help complete a patients diagnosis. In particular, I respect the ability of different
professionals to admit that another professional may be required to gain a better overall
picture of the condition of the patient. Thus, I learned that it is this collaboration
between Neurology and Neuropsychology that allows these professionals to effectively
develop strategies to deal with weaknesses within the brain.
Lastly, I learned about the significance of the executive functions, which help us
accomplish tasks on a daily basis. I now realize the significant practical implications of
Neurology and Neuropsychology and just how essential these fields are for the overall
quality of life of an individual. Although executive functions may be more relevant for
neuropsychologists, it is equally important for neurologists to be able to recognize when
there is an issue in the executive functions of a patient. Because executive functions play
an integral role in an individuals development from childhood to young adulthood, I
now know why neurologists and neuropsychologists must collaborate to resolve
problems in ones executive functions - these functions can be examined from both a
scientific and social standpoint. Erg0, I realized the widespread importance of the
executive functions and the effect of their impairment in the brain.
All in all, I hope to apply the knowledge I learned from this article directly into
my questions, as I am curious to see if neurologists are familiar with other fields that
deal with the brain. By asking higher-level questions, I will be able to stimulate and
facilitate a more insightful interview with medical practitioners. More importantly,
however, I now carry knowledge of the clear difference between Neurology and
Neuropsychology and how the collaboration that exists between the two fields allow for
patients to receive effective diagnoses and treatment plans.
(Article on Page 4 below).

What is the difference between a
neurologist and a neuropsychologist?
A neurologist is a specific type of medical doctor, who is trained in diagnosing and

treating disorders of the brain and nervous system. Such disorders include conditions
that can affect the central nervous system (including the brain and spinal cord), the
peripheral nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system. Neurologists may want
to assess a persons ability to walk, coordinate movements, and other actions such as
hand-eye coordination. They will examine ones brain functions for injury, diseases, or
developmental problems.
Neurologists may treat individuals who experience a stroke as well as individuals with
epilepsy, Parkinsons disease, and hundreds of other neurological issues.
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior.A
neuropsychologist, for example, may assess a persons ability to learn and recall
information, to attend to their environment, concentrate and focus, as well as their
emotional well-being. Neuropsychologists administer a battery of psychological tests
that measure problem-solving skills, reasoning and conceptualization abilities,
sensory-motor abilities, learning, memory, receptive and expressive language,
perceptual-motor skills, and cognitive abilities, to examine an individuals overall
functioning.
From the information gathered during the evaluation, a neuropsychologist uses the
individuals pattern of strengths and weaknesses to assess brain functioning. From this
complex and detailed set of measurements, a variety of inferences can be drawn relating
directly to the functioning of an individuals brain and their overt behaviors.
Neuropsychologists help assess and monitor the recovery of function of individuals who
experience traumatic brain injury, examine the ability of an individual with a disorder
that affects reasoning abilities, or help discriminate between disorders such as
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Tourettes Syndrome.
What is the difference between a neurological assessment & a

neuropsychological assessment?
A neurological assessment is a series of questions and tests that provide crucial
information about the nervous system and any related abnormalities. The neurological
assessment, which is performed by a neurologist, is divided into several components,
each focusing on a different part of the nervous system. A neurologist may assess a
persons mental status, sensory system, motor system, cranial nerves, or reflexes as well
as any other areas related to the nervous system. Often diagnostic tests, such as EEGs,
x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans of the head or spine may be given to obtain information
about brain functioning. This information is used to determine appropriate medical
treatment. A neurologist sometimes recommends neuropsychological evaluations to
assess cognition or emotional status.
A neuropsychological assessment provides a profile of an individuals strengths and

weaknesses that is used to develop intervention strategies to capitalize on strengths and
build on areas of weakness. A persons performance on a variety of tasks is compared to
that of same age peers. Areas of brain functioning such as attention, memory,
visual-motor and sensory abilities, ability to regulate behaviors and emotions, solve
complex problems, and monitor and adjust ones behavior as needed are some of the
areas that are evaluated.
Standardized, objective, and reliable measures of diverse aspects of human cognition

and behavior allow for a complete picture of an individuals higher cortical functioning.
This picture of current brain/cognitive functioning is used to guide intervention
planning. Interventions can include learning strategies that utilize strengths,
remediation of specific skills, strategies to improve areas of weakness, therapy to
improve emotional or behavioral functioning, or collaboration with other professionals
such as speech/language pathologists, occupational or physical therapists, audiologists,
or neurologists.
What are executive functions?
Over the last ten years there has been increased interest in executive functions and
their role in behavior and emotional functioning. The term executive function (EF) is an
umbrella term which encompasses a set of several abilities which primarily reside in
the frontal lobes of the brain. Planning, problem-solving, self-monitoring, organization,
divided attention, shifting or mental flexibility, and initiation of behaviors are often
included under the term executive functions.
Attention and working memory are also sometimes listed as executive functions. EFs
develop throughout childhood, adolescence, and even into young adulthood. The
development of executive functions is considered to be important because they are
necessary for purposeful, planned, organized behaviors such as goal-setting and
attainment. There are a variety of reasons that an individual may have difficulty with
executive functions.
Some individuals with ADD/ADHD have problems with executive functions. Individuals
with Aspergers Syndrome, autism, Tourettes Syndrome, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia, traumatic brain injuries, emotional problems, and other developmental
or genetic disorders may struggle with executive functions as well. Impairments in
executive functions can cut across many areas and affect academic performance, social
interactions, and vocational performance.

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Research Assessment #4

Date: Oct, 22, 2017

MLA Citation: ApaCenter. What Is the Difference Between a Neurologist and a

To begin, neuropsychologists administer a battery of psychological tests, which

(Article on Page 4 below).

A neurologist is a specific type of medical doctor, who is trained in diagnosing and

What is the difference between a neurological assessment & a

A neuropsychological assessment provides a profile of an individuals strengths and

Standardized, objective, and reliable measures of diverse aspects of human cognition

What are executive functions?

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