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Hi David, A neuropsychologist is a psychologist (non-MD) trained in measuring brain function with special tests some of which are the same tests that movement disorders physicians do e.g. finger tapping etc.as well as memory testing, They can be useful when for instance there is a question of a brain tumor (not your case) or other lesion and can often functionally narrow down the location of the lesion as accurately as some of the older imaging techniques we had. Now with MRI they are not used much in this way any more and tend to work in more academic and general medical settings, evaluating subtle changes in function especially around issues of learning and brain injury.and dementia. If the person is functioning in the role of a neuropsychologist he will likely interview you and then do testing. If he is functioning as a clinical psychologist, he likely will discuss your problems, stresses etc. You may have been directed toward a psychotherapist rather than a neuropsychologist- MDs often don't know the difference either As I have said before PD is difficult to diagnose prospectively and it is not uncommon to get the run-around you have gotten in the early stages. I believe you mentioned that you had taken Mellaril before but you did not get back to me on the dose and whether you are taking it now. That would be extremely important information since Mellaril can cause Parkinson-like symptoms. I suggest the same as others, that you make an appointment with a movement disorders specialist ASAP whether you follow through with the neuropsychologist or not. Charlie Charles T. Meyer. M.D. (Retired from the practice of psychiatry (with PD For 11 years) ----- Original Message ----- From: "davidmeigs" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2000 2:52 PM Subject: What is a neuro-psycologist? I Need advice! > Hi everyone, > > I'm the newbie that wrote "Am I nuts" a week or two ago. I am still in the > diagnosis stage and saw my Gp doctor today. He asked about my impressions > of my visit with the neurologist a few weeks ago. I told him that I had > the feeling, while talking to the neuro that he thought I was nuts, and that > these symptoms were all in my mind. > > My doctor said with a smile on his face that "we don't use the word "nuts" > around here" "We use the word "Wacko". The neurologist thinks your Wacko!" > He said. I wasn't quite sure if he was kidding or not, and decided to just > take it as he was joking with me. He said that he wanted me to see a > neuro-psychologist. He said that it wasn't the kind of doctor that would > decide if your "Wacko" but had something to do with memories, etc... My > memory is one thing that has been effected lately. > > He offered no comments on my tremors, the stiffness & posture changes, my > balance problem, or the fact that the height of my rug when walking from the > linoleum in the kitchen to the living room is often enough to snag my foot > and trip me. > > I pointed out to him that while I still have all of these symptoms to a > lesser degree, they were much worse each time my chronic ear infections were > at their worst. I have been through two bad bouts of ear pain, and given > antibiotics each time. I noticed that at the end of the antibiotics I felt > better, and my parkinsonisms were also better. Still present, but MUCH > better. > > He said that sometimes viral infections could sometimes cause parkinsonisms > like tremors and such. I WOULD GIVE EVERYTHING IF THIS COULD ONLY BE TRUE. > I don't know what to think. I would appreciate your advice. > > Should I see this "neuro-psychologist, or stand firm on my request to see a > movement disorder specialist? > > > Thanks, you have all been so much help to me! > > > The newbie that's going "nuts" err, I mean "Wacko" > > David M. > > If you want to answer off the list you can reach me at: > [log in to unmask]