Neuropsychological Testing

We provide advanced treatment options for numerous cognitive conditions, including:

Our neuropsychology specialty services include:

• Pre-surgical evaluations for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and epilepsy
• Brief consultations for cognitive check-ups and tracking of cognition
• Cross-cultural evaluations with patients who speak languages other than English
• Diagnostic evaluations to assist with treatment planning

If you already have a provider within the Beth Israel Lahey Health network, they may place a referral on your behalf through our electronic record system. Those coming from outside of the Lahey system should use the contact information below to schedule an appointment.

If you have an evaluation scheduled at Lahey, consider the following to help you prepare for your procedure:

• Do your best to sleep well the night before and eat a filling breakfast in the morning.
• Take prescribed medications as usual, unless told otherwise by your provider.
• Do not drink alcohol or use non-prescribed/recreational substances within 24 hours of your evaluation. Please let your provider know about any substance use, as longer periods of abstinence may be recommended depending on the substance type.
• Wear or bring prescribed assistive devices (e.g., hearing aids, glasses).
• If interested, you may bring light snacks/drinks, as visits tend to last 2-4 hours.
• If previously assessed outside of Lahey, please bring those records to your visit.

Initial Consultation

Your first visit will always begin with a detailed conversation about why you were referred, your concerns, medical history and personal background. Your provider will use this time to get to know you as a person, as well as clarify your goals for the evaluation. A family member or close friend is typically present for this portion of the visit, as the observations of those who know you are very important to understanding the timeline and types of cognitive changes that may have taken place.

Testing

Next, you will work with your provider or one of our skilled technicians on a series of cognitive tests. This sometimes takes place on the same day as your first visit. Other times this is scheduled as a separate visit. We have access to a wide range of tests to accurately measure one’s unique cognitive skillsets. These tests are completed one-on-one with an examiner, who will walk you through each step of the process. You may take as many breaks as you need. There are no wires, needles or imaging scans involved in this process.

Feedback

You will return to the clinic on a separate day to review test findings with your provider. Your provider will go over conclusions about diagnosis and discuss recommended next steps. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about your specific pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. We encourage patients to bring a family member or close friend to this visit as well.

Post-Evaluation

A report summarizing evaluation findings (including diagnosis and recommendations) will be available on MyChart after your feedback.

Use the following to get in touch with our neurology team:

• Burlington: 781-774-8630
• Lexington: 978-538-4690
• Peabody: 978-538-4690