what is a neuropsychologist

A neuropsychologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in understanding how brain injuries and conditions affect behavior, mood, and thinking skills. They combine the fields of neurology, the study of the nervous system, and psychology, the study of the mind and how it affects behavior. Neuropsychologists assess people who have had sudden injuries, such as a concussion or a stroke, as well as those who have chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. They may be involved in diagnosing certain conditions or in assessing the progression of an already-diagnosed condition. Neuropsychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications, unlike neurologists. Instead, they perform tests and analyze the results to determine how well the brain is functioning and why someone might have difficulty in a particular part of their life. They also help patients understand what is going on and give them ways to cope, as well as refer them to other healthcare providers who can help, such as physical therapists or speech therapists. Neuropsychologists often work with other doctors such as neuropsychiatrists, neurosurgeons, and neurologists, along with physical therapists and speech therapists.