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Neurobehavioral Clinician Definitions
Each neurobehavioral clinician plays a different but cooperative
role in a patient's diagnostic workup and care:
Behavioral Neurologist
Professional (MD) trained in diseases of the brain, especially
those that affect behavior, emotions, memory and reasoning. Purpose
of examination is to provide a diagnosis of the cause of the patient's
symptoms and to recommend additional tests or appropriate treatments.
Initial appointment typically lasts 90 minutes. The behavioral neurologist
may recommend brain imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) scan, computed axial tomography (CT) scan, positron emission
tomography (PET) scan, single photon emission computed tomorgaphy
(SPECT) scan) and/or a series of blood tests for the purpose of
arriving at a more definitive diagnosis. A report is sent to the
referring physician to communicate findings and recommendations.
On Staff:
M.-Marsel Mesulam, MD
Darren Gitelman, MD
Jaime Grutzendler, MD
Jay Gottfried, MD, PhD
Chuang-Kuo Wu, MD, PhD
Fellow, G. Peter Gliebus, MD
Geriatrician
Professional (MD) trained in the evaluation and treatment of diseases that are common in older adults and aging. Geriatric medicine focuses on diseases that effect function in aging, in particular cognition and cognitive disorders such as dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, vascular disease, Lewy body disease which can cause a decline in overall function. The evaluation focuses on overall health and function, including cognition and psychosocial issues related to aging. The purpose of the examination is to assist in the diagnosis of cognitive disorders and to recommend appropriate medication and interventions focused on maintaining independence, safety and function. Initial appointment typically lasts 90 minutes. The geriatrician may order tests similar to those listed above for the behavioral neurologist if the patient has not had these studies. A report is sent to the referring physician to communicate findings and recommendations.
On Staff:
Diana Kerwin, MD
Neuropsychiatrist
Professional (MD) trained in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric
disorders that are the result of brain damage or disease. Purpose
of the examination is to assist in diagnosis and to recommend appropriate
medication and behavioral interventions. Initial appointment typically
lasts 60 minutes. The neuropsychiatris may order tests similar to
those listed above for the behavioral neurologist if the patient
has not had these studies. A report is sent to the referring physician
to communicate findings and recommendations.
On Staff:
Deborah Reed, MD
Neuropsychologist
Professional (PhD) trained in the specialized assessment of memory,
reasoning, perception and attention for the purpose of identifying
patterns that signify brain disorders. The neuropsychologist interviews
the patient and a family member or other individual who can provide
information about the observed symptoms, administers a series of
paper-and-pencil and computerized tests of mental abilities, and
provides education to the patient and family about the symptoms
and how to manage them. Initial appointment typically lasts 3-5
hours. A report is sent to the referring physician to communicate
findings and recommendations.
On Staff:
Sandra Weintraub, PhD
Nancy Johnson, PhD
Beth Borosh, PhD
Social Worker
Professional (MS, MSW) trained in psychosocial assessment of individuals
with neurobehavioral disorders for the purpose of assessing needs
for emotional support and directing patients and families to appropriate
community resources for ongoing care. Individual and family counseling
are also provided.
On Staff:
Darby Morhardt, MSW, LCSW
Mary O'Hara, LSW
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