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CNI Center for Brain & Spinal Tumors
Patient Care
Psychological Services
Psychological services available in the CNI Center for Brain & Spinal Tumors include the following assessments and treatments:
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychological evaluations provide detailed, non-invasive assessment of a host of brain functions, including:
- Memory
- Attention
- Mental organization
- Problem-solving
- Speech/language
- Visual-perceptual areas
It is often best to assess functional brain changes caused by tumor processes pre-operatively in order to plan the neurosurgery and anticipate possible or likely post-operative changes. Similarly, neuropsychological assessments of cognition in the post-operative period can help guide rehabilitation and measure a patient’s progress, and can be instrumental in assisting patients with return to work or lifestyle planning after returning home. If neurobehavioral symptoms like impulsivity or anxiety emerge or worsen at any time, neuropsychologists can evaluate the complex potential causes of such symptoms and offer clinical interventions to treat the problem. In this way, they can help patients and families cope with the various effects of a patient’s brain tumor. Neuropsychology also plays an important role in the operating room, helping guide neurosurgeons to minimize changes in speech, language and other aspects of cognitive function during awake craniotomies.
Clinical Health Psychology
Clinical health psychology focuses on the evaluation and treatment of problems with coping and adjustment and emotional and interpersonal changes, such as mood, anxiety, relationships, sexuality, and so on. Psychotherapy, counseling, and behavioral medicine techniques like clinical hypnosis are among the approaches health psychologists provide to help patients struggling with these issues.
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