Patient Resources

Brain Fog Issues

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 20:48:47 GMT

Issues with brain fogginess can look like a difficulty concentrating or staying sharp among other things. The following list of brain fog test questions can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for cognitive issues.

Have you ever experienced any of the following brain fog symptoms:

Mental sluggishness
Problems concentrating
Forgetfulness
Finding yourself not as sharp as you once were
Problems with recalling names
Having words on the tip of your tongue but unable to produce them
Changes in your ability to multitask

If you have experienced two or more of these symptoms , consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847)-469-7537 to learn more.

Several medical conditions and issues can impact thinking resulting in “brain fog” and cognitive challenges like the ones outlined above. These conditions can range from thyroid issues, hormone changes, and chemotherapy agents as well as chronic pain, headaches, migraines, and many other conditions. If you have experienced these symptoms and brain fog, call us here at Thomson Memory & Attention at (847) 469-7537 to schedule an evaluation today. Our neuropsychologists can aid in pinpointing the cause of the cognitive issues and brain fog.

Neuropsychology, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, will help explain and determine if an underlying condition, or perhaps multiple underlying conditions, exists. In some circumstances, the brain fog difficulties may be better explained by other conditions. Understanding the patient’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify the reason for these issues and aid in creating a customized treatment plan to improve or manage the patient’s cognitive complaints. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Our fellowship-trained doctors will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for these issues.

Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Adults , ADHD - Adults , Alzheimer's Disease , Anxiety , Concussion , Decision-Making , Depression , Epilepsy , Multiple Sclerosis (MS) , Neurological Disorders , Pseudodementia , Stroke , Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) , and Vascular Diseases

Head Injury Issues

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 20:36:40 GMT

Head injuries can cause serious and lasting cognitive problems. The following questions can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for head injuries.

Concussion Test:

Have you ever experienced any hit to the head or any sudden movement of the head (e.g., whiplash)?
Following the head injury, did you experience any of the following:

Headaches
Migraines
Confusion
Nausea
Brain Fog
Dizziness

If you answered yes to any of the above questions or have ever experienced any of the above symptoms, you may have experienced a concussion. Many concussions symptoms resolve over a matter of days or weeks, but symptoms can sometimes linger well beyond the normal recovery window. If you had any type of head injury and are experiencing persistent brain fog, memory issues, or word recollection problems, call us here at Thomson Memory & Attention at (847) 469-7537 to schedule your appointment with us today.

Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Adults , ADD - Pediatrics , ADHD - Adults , ADHD - Pediatrics , Concussion , Depression , Stroke , and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Social Issues

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 20:22:48 GMT

Issues with socialization can cause one to struggle understanding social issues or to experience negative feelings towards social situations among other things. The following list of questions about social issues can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for social problems.

Does your child…

Struggle to social cues such as facial expressions or body language?
Find it difficult to understand jokes? Sarcasm?
Tend to be shy or timid and neglect to speak when spoken to?
Actively avoid certain places or activities?
Fear that something bad will happen to themselves or others?
Have problems spending the night away from home?
Experience fear or anxiety if they have to perform/speak in front of others?
Have habits or behaviors that seem ritualistic that they must do over and over (e.g., line up things, wash hands over and over)?
Form strong attachments to everyday items or objects so much so that it can be hard to part with or let go of them?
Neglect to play with other children?
Have emotional reactions when they have to change activities or if their routine is disrupted?
Misperceive situations or take too many things to heart (e.g., wears their heart on their sleeve)?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847)-469-7537 to learn more.

While it can be “normal” for children to struggle with aspects of socialization, their difficulties may be a symptom of some other issue. For example, a young child who does not want to join in play activities with other children may have a desire to do so but doesn’t know how to initiate a conversation or understand the nuances of social communication. Perhaps it’s challenging for the child to understand facial expressions or body language, which can result in them misperceiving situations. Similarly, an elementary student may “freeze” under pressure when taking a test out of fear that they won’t measure up to their peers, which can have social consequences. Additionally, an adolescent that struggles to deal with peers may be experiencing anxiety or depression.

A neuropsychological evaluation consists of a thorough intake to include your concerns regarding your child, their history of social, emotional, and developmental milestones, and collateral information from outside sources (if desired). Following the evaluation, your neuropsychologist will begin to put the puzzle pieces together in order to understand the reason for your child’s social struggles.

Neuropsychology, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, will help explain and determine if an underlying condition, or perhaps multiple underlying conditions, exists. In some circumstances, the social difficulties may be better explained by other conditions. Understanding the patient’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify the reason for these issues and aid in creating a customized treatment plan to improve or manage the patient’s cognitive complaints. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Our fellowship-trained doctors will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for these issues.

Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Pediatrics , ADHD - Pediatrics , Anxiety , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Behavioral Difficulties , Intellectual Disability , Learning Disorders , and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Behavioral Issues

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 20:08:44 GMT

Behavioral issues can manifest as acting out or a resistance to authority among other symptoms. The following questions about behavioral issues can help determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for behavior problems.

Does your child or loved one…

Have an explosive or violent temper?
Have verbal or physical outbursts?
Oftentimes "lose control” or exhibit destructive behavior?
Taken things from people that don’t belong to them?
Lie to get things their way or things they want?
Find him or herself easily annoyed by others?
Complain that they are not treated fairly?
Frequently argue with adults or people in charge?
Throw temper tantrums?
Ever become uncooperative or stubborn and struggle to follow rules?
Act out and cause problems at school or at activities outside of the home?
Refuse to do what is asked of them when it comes to schoolwork or chores?
Ever become moody?

If you answered yes to two or more of these behavior problem questions, consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847) 469-7537 to learn more.

When a parent or caregiver presents with concerns regarding a child’s behavior, oftentimes it is because their child has been acting out more than typical kids their age. These behaviors can result in family conflict, academic consequences, or physical injury. However, the cause of these behaviors can be difficult to identify. Perhaps the reason that your child is acting out more is because of increasing academic or social demands that exceed their coping abilities.

A neuropsychological evaluation can help to establish a connection between your child’s behavior and their brain’s functioning and determine if your child’s behavior is age-appropriate or if it is suggestive of something more such as a behavioral, learning, or mood disorder. Results from the evaluation can provide a “road-map” of next steps of how to better address the difficult behaviors or underlying condition(s). Dr. Hagen and Dr. Viscomi, along with the rest of our expertly trained team of neuropsychologists, are here to help.

Neuropsychology, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, will help explain and determine if an underlying condition, or perhaps multiple underlying conditions, exists. In some circumstances, the behavioral difficulties may be better explained by other conditions. Understanding the patient’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify the reason for these issues and aid in creating a customized treatment plan to improve or manage the patient’s cognitive complaints. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Our fellowship-trained doctors will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for these issues.

Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Pediatrics , ADHD - Pediatrics , Anxiety , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Behavioral Difficulties , Concussion , Dyslexia , Genetic Syndromes, Intellectual Disability , Learning Disorders , and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Attention Issues

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 19:16:12 GMT

Issues with attention can manifest as experiencing difficulty staying on task, focusing, and managing one's time among many other things. The following questions about attention issues can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis.

Do you or a loved one…

Have difficulties paying attention or concentrating?
Avoid starting new important tasks?
Sometimes begin a task but never end up completing it?
Find it difficult to tune into the conversation you are having when there are others happening around you?
Have the impulse to jump or interject into a conversation as soon as a thought strikes you?
Make careless mistakes because a task is boring, repetitive, or difficult?
Ever feel restless or find yourself fidgeting?
Have a hard time retaining information?
Need to take breaks regularly?
Sometimes forget something you were just told?
Struggle concentrating when speaking with others?
Frequently misplace items or have difficulty finding them?
Easily become distracted by other motion or movement in the room?
Find yourself typically distracted?
Have difficulties managing your time?
Find yourself drifting off even when you are trying to pay attention?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions about these symptoms and issues with attention, consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847) 469-7537 to learn more.

Attention difficulties can occur at any age, and most people experience occasional instances of inattention throughout their lifetime that are not an immediate cause for concern. There are some instances, however, where a person’s inattentive tendencies are more problematic, pervasive, and impact everyday living. Some of these problems with attention include a difficulty concentrating, becoming increasingly forgetful, a difficulty with sustaining attention, misplacing items, and a tendency to display task avoidance. These problems can occur for several reasons to include stress, fatigue, inadequate nutrition, substance abuse, emotional distress, and medication side effects. However, pervasive and problematic attention problems can also indicate an underlying neurodevelopmental condition, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; commonly referred to as ADD).

Neuropsychology, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, will help explain and determine if an underlying condition, or perhaps multiple underlying conditions, exists. In some circumstances, the attention difficulties may be better explained by other conditions such as a mood disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder) or a memory disorder (e.g., mild cognitive impairment, dementia). Understanding the patient’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify the reason for inattention and aid in creating a customized treatment plan to improve or manage the patient’s cognitive complaints. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Our fellowship-trained doctors will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for these issues.

Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Adults , ADD - Pediatrics , ADHD - Adults , ADHD - Pediatrics , Anxiety , Behavioral Difficulties , Concussion , Depression , Dyslexia , Epilepsy , Genetic Syndromes , Learning Disorders , Multiple Sclerosis (MS) , Neurological Disorders , Stroke , Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) , and Vascular Diseases

Executive Function Issues

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Thu, 27 May 2021 20:45:21 GMT

Issues with executive functioning can manifest as having trouble managing or organizing tasks or even cause hiccups in decision-making among many other issues. The following questions about such problems with executive functioning can help determine when it is time to seek testing and evaluation to reach a professional diagnosis.

Do you or a loved one…

Have trouble starting tasks?
Feel overwhelmed with large projects?
Feel disorganized?
Struggle with time-management?
Often find yourself late to appointments and events?
Have difficulty multitasking?
Often start multiple projects at one time and struggle to complete the initial task at hand?
Struggle to plan and prioritize tasks?
Have trouble with decision-making?
Have difficulty following instruction?
Have difficulty controlling your emotions?
Find it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847) 469-7537 to learn more.

Executive functioning refers to the higher order thinking that allows us to complete complex tasks and control our emotions and behaviors. Executive functioning skills also enable us to plan, organize, multitask, and sustain working memory. Executive functioning skills are mediated by the frontal lobe of the brain which continues to develop through early adulthood. As such, these skills change across the lifespan and gradually develop throughout childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood.

Impaired executive functioning can occur for several reasons, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; commonly referred to as ADD), dementia, pseudodementia, emotional distress (e.g., depression, anxiety), psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), injury to the brain (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can help to understand the type of executive functioning problem and identify the underlying cause, which subsequently, can help with developing a treatment plan. Treatment used to improve executive functioning skills can include medication, therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. Additionally, understanding the areas of weaknesses can help in developing effective accommodations and environmental changes at school, home, and within the workplace to reach optimal functioning. Thomson Memory & Attention, formerly Thomson Memory Center, can help.

Neuropsychology, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, will help explain and determine if an underlying condition, or perhaps multiple underlying conditions, exists. In some circumstances, the executive function difficulties may be better explained by other conditions. Understanding the patient’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify the reason for these issues and aid in creating a customized treatment plan to improve or manage the patient’s cognitive complaints. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Our fellowship-trained doctors will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for these issues.

Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Adults , ADD - Pediatrics , ADHD - Adults , ADHD - Pediatrics , Anxiety , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Behavioral Difficulties , Concussion , Depression , Dyslexia , Epilepsy , Genetic Syndromes, Intellectual Disability , Learning Disorders , Multiple Sclerosis (MS) , Neurological Disorders , Stroke , Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) , and Vascular Diseases

Memory Issues

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Thu, 27 May 2021 20:45:21 GMT

Issues with memory can appear has having trouble keeping a schedule or keeping track of belongings. The following quiz for memory problems can help determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for memory issues.

Are you or a loved one…

Forgetting recent conversations?
Forgetting to complete tasks?
Forgetting the reason for entering a room?
Having difficulty learning and retaining new information?
Misplacing items like keys or your phone?
Relying more on reminders and notes?
Having trouble remembering appointments and meetings?

If you answered yes to two or more of these memory problem questions, consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847) 469-7537 to learn more.

Memory problems can be a natural part of aging. In some cases, however, memory problems can indicate a more serious problem and affect daily living. Increased forgetfulness, reliance on reminders and note-taking, misplacing and losing items, and difficulty recalling information can occur for a number of reasons including stress, inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, and medication side effects. Memory problems can also indicate an underlying neurological condition, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation will help determine at what stage the memory problem is occurring. In some circumstances, memory difficulties are primarily due to low encoding of the information which indicates that the person is unable to fully comprehend the information being presented. This problem oftentimes occurs because of inattention or other factors that interfere with information acquisition. In other circumstances, memory difficulties occur in the storage phase meaning the information being encoding fails to be consolidated into long-term memory. There exist even some circumstances where memory difficulties occur in the retrieval stage. Memory retrieval problems mean the information has been encoded and stored, but the person cannot access said information independently. These people may require additional prompting to recognize and recall the information. Determining the stage at which the deficit is occurring can help identify the reason for memory difficulties and inform an appropriate treatment plan to maximize memory function. Dr. Blodgett, Dr. Fasching, and Dr. Vocos, along with the rest of our team of neuropsychologists, are here to help.

Neuropsychology, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, will help explain and determine if an underlying condition, or perhaps multiple underlying conditions, exists. In some circumstances, the memory difficulties may be better explained by other conditions. Understanding the patient’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify the reason for these issues and aid in creating a customized treatment plan to improve or manage the patient’s cognitive complaints. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Our fellowship-trained doctors will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for these issues.

Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Adults , ADHD - Adults , Alzheimer's Disease , Concussion , Decision-Making , Dementia , Depression , Multiple Sclerosis (MS) , Neurological Disorders , Pseudodementia , Stroke , Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) , and Vascular Diseases

Learning Issues

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Thu, 27 May 2021 20:45:20 GMT

Issues with learning can cause a child to fall behind in school or negatively impact a child's confidence and academic performance among many other things. The following list of questions for learning difficulties can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis.

Does your child or loved one…

Fall behind in a specific subject at school and struggle to learn new concepts despite your efforts to help at home?
Skip lines, reverse letters, struggle to sound out words, or revert to guessing instead of decoding words when reading?
Have to re-read information multiple times in order to comprehend the material?
Verbalize ideas yet struggles to put those ideas into writing?
Demonstrate poor spelling or grammar or have trouble constructing sentences when compared to the typical skill level of their grade level?
Fall behind in math classes, have trouble learning new concepts, struggle to apply learned concepts, solve basic math in their head, or have trouble with math word problems?
Become anxious, upset, sad, or nervous about completing assignments related to a specific class (i.e., when asked to read or solve math problems)?
Have teachers who express concern with your child’s progress in school?
Have family members who were diagnosed or suspected to have dyslexia or pervasive math problems?
Fall behind in their classes, receive low grades, or perform poorly on MAP testing?
Exhibit any behavioral concerns associated with certain academics, such as arguing, refusing to participate, procrastinating, or tantrums?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions on learning difficulties, consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847) 469-7537 to learn more.

Learning difficulties can occur both in and out of the physical classroom in a variety of subjects including issues with reading, writing, and mathematics. A child who is experiencing learning difficulties at school may struggle to decode words, may have difficulties with phonological processing, may need to re-read information, can have trouble comprehending information, and appear behind compared to peers. Writing difficulties can involve spelling issues, difficulties generating content, having an idea in their heads but difficulties with putting it on paper, trouble constructing sentences, poor/illegible handwriting, or difficulties with grammar. A child may be falling behind in their classes, complain about doing homework or taking tests, may demonstrate an aversion or anxiety about a specific subject, may have low grades despite trying hard, and may act out, become distracted, or refuse to complete tasks.

A neuropsychological evaluation can aid in pinpointing the mechanism causing the academic difficulties, such as dyslexia, for the child, teenager, or even adult. Identification and intervention of these learning problems can improve the child’s future academic and eventual occupational performance. Once identified, doctors, parents, and teachers can discuss an individualized classroom education plan to provide specific accommodations at school to maximize the child’s ability to benefit from education and demonstrate his/her skill set.

Neuropsychology, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, will help explain and determine if an underlying condition, or perhaps multiple underlying conditions, exists. In some circumstances, the learning difficulties may be better explained by other conditions. Understanding the patient’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify the reason for these issues and aid in creating a customized treatment plan to improve or manage the patient’s cognitive complaints. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Our fellowship-trained doctors will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for these issues.

Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Pediatrics , ADHD - Pediatrics , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Concussion , Dyslexia , Epilepsy , Genetic Syndromes, Intellectual Disability , Learning Disorders , and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)