The latest case study

Korsakoffs Syndrome

Penny, aged 58, lives in her own property supported and supervised by 24 hour carers. She suffered severe cognitive impairment secondary to Korsakoffs syndrome in 1996 following a long history of alcohol misuse and depression. Since her illness, Penny suffered with severe amnesia accompanied by emotional lability associated with refusal of medication/food and verbal aggression. Penny also demonstrated reduced awareness of her difficulties. She experienced notable fatigue following activity but had great difficulty monitoring this herself, signi... more

Sign up to our e-newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions - Adult Neuropsychology

  • How do I know if I need to see a Neuropsychologist

    You might be ‘referred’ by a health care professional (e.g. case manager, GP, nurse specialist, occupational therapist or medical consultant), after experiencing a neurological event or illness. Following referral, a first appointment is usually offered to undertake an assessment to determine if further more detailed assessment, specific advice, support, treatment or follow-up is appropriate. You can ‘self refer’ by contacting us and requesting an appointment although it is often very helpful to be referred by a professional who is also familiar with your medical history and current situation.

  • Who will I see?

    You will be seen by a Clinical Psychologist, with specialist training in and experience of neuropsychology assessment and rehabilitation/treatment and who is registered with the Health Professions Council. (These Clinical Psychologists are often called Neuropsychologists).

  • What will happen at the appointment?

    If you agree to the assessment, the Neuropsychologist will assess you, often in some detail. This is likely to involve asking questions about the background to your difficulties, your thoughts/feelings about your situation or condition and how your difficulties might be interfering with your everyday life, in terms of relationships, work and your day-to-day functioning. It might also involve completing formal psychometric tests or questionnaires relating to your situation.

  • What will happen after this appointment?

    By the end of the appointment, you will have discussed your own thoughts and wishes and a plan of action will be agreed with you about what options may be available.

    The options might include:

    • Further assessment clarifying, in more detail, the difficulties that you are experiencing e.g. a longer, more in-depth ‘cognitive’ assessment.
    • Recommendations for further appointments to explore the psychological difficulties and find ways of helping. This might include the use of specific psychological treatments including cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy and family based treatments.
    • Practical recommendations to help you cope with changes and risks. With your permission, this work might include other professionals involved in your care/rehabilitation.
    • Preparation of a letter/report to the referrer which you can request a copy of.

  • Could I get this service on the NHS?

    There are usually Neuropsychologists in your local NHS Trust but your home address will determine what public services are available to you, where they are based and waiting times etc. You can often check this with your GP, Medical Consultant or we can investigate where you might find out this information.

  • Will my health insurance cover this assessment and

    Health Insurance policies are very different in the level of cover provided. Some policies also specify conditions that need to be met in order for cover to be granted. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have clarified this with your insurer before confirming any appointment offered.