There are some medical conditions and injuries that can impact a person's cognitive health. This means that a person's ability to think, learn, and remember things may be affected. Some people may not experience any symptoms, while others may have a decline in cognitive function. If you have a patient struggling with cognitive issues, consider ordering a brain performance test to learn more. Here are five types of patients that may benefit from an evaluation that measures brain performance. 

1) Patients With Post-Concussion Syndrome

Many patients recover fully from their concussions, but sometimes, symptoms linger. If a patient has symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or light sensitivity after a concussion, they may have post-concussion syndrome. A brain performance test can help assess cognitive function and look for any areas of decline. This information is important because it can guide treatment decisions to help the patient feel better.

2) Patients Who Have Suffered a Stroke

Strokes can cause brain damage and lead to cognitive decline. A brain performance test can help assess the extent of the damage and what areas of cognitive function have been affected. This information is important for developing a rehabilitation plan to help the patient recover as much function as possible. The test results may reveal that the patient could benefit from services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physical therapy.

3) Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to a decline in cognitive function. A brain performance test can help assess the severity of the decline and how it is impacting the patient's life. This information is important for developing a treatment plan that may include medications, therapies, and support services.

4) Patients Who Have Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury

Like concussions, traumatic brain injuries can have a major impact on cognitive function. A brain performance test can help doctors and other medical providers pinpoint which areas of the brain have been affected and how severe the damage to the brain is. This information is vital for helping patients overcome their brain injury and regain as much function as possible.

5) Patients With Dementia

Dementia is a decline in cognitive function that can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. A brain performance test can show how dementia impacts the patient's cognitive function. Brain performance testing can also help doctors track the progression of the patient's dementia so caregivers can see if symptoms are remaining stable or getting worse. This information is important for making sure the patient is getting the best possible care.

If you have a patient that is struggling with cognitive issues, brain performance testing may be a helpful tool. It can provide important information about the brain and how it is functioning, so consider adding it to your practice today.

Contact a local medical service to learn more about brain performance tests.