Dumfries & Galloway Health & Social Care

Neuropsychology

Dr John Higgon, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, carries out neuropsychological assessments for adults under the age of 65.

Generally, people over the age of 65 who require neuropsychological assessment are seen by clinical psychology colleagues in the Older Adult team.

What We Do

Neuropsychology assessments are designed to determine whether a person has problems with aspects of thinking such as memory. Memory assessment is the most common reason for referral.

Appointments last around an hour and a half. You will be asked to give a brief history of your problems and to complete some tests. The results of the tests can show:

  • whether there is a problem
  • if so, how severe the problem is
  • and may help doctors to make a diagnosis

It takes some time to score up the tests, so it is not always possible to give an indication of a person’s performance at the end of the appointment. Instead, a technical report is sent to the referrer and GP, and a summary report to the patient.

Referral Information

To access the neuropsychology service you will need a referral from your GP or another medical consultant. Common reasons for referral are:

  • worried about a deterioration in memory
  • cognitive (thinking) problems associated with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis
  • assessment following a brain injury

Contact us

Dr John Higgon
Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist
Department of Psychological Services & Research
Mountainhall Treatment Centre
Bankend Road
Dumfries
DG1 4AP

Tel. 01387 244495, 
Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm, for enquiries.