What is a neuropsych eval 4 and why am I only being sent to it now? My sah was Nov. of 2012?
Please explain what it entails if you have been to one. THanks.
VJ
Hi Vj...I have never been to a neuropsychologist so it interested me to look them up...here is a great page that defines who they are, what they do/study and why one may be told to go...hope it helps you out...
wishing you a good day ~ Colleen
Hi VJ,
Some great firsthand information from Liam there, and a good guide from Colleen - basically the neuropsychological evaluation is done to assess any cognitive issues you might be having with memory, processing or other brain functions. Having a specialist assess this can be really helpful because often the issues someone has after a brain trauma are quite narrow or specific and need expert analysis to isolate and then work around.
I'm speculating a little, but I'd guess you are only being sent now for two reasons - 1) a neuropsych evaluation isn't a medical intervention, so it's a lot further down the priority list when compared to making sure you are physically alive and well after such a major trauma as a SAH - and 2) it's probably not helpful to do the evaluation too close to the SAH, because there will often be temporary memory/confusion/type issues in the early months afterwards while the brain heals from the bleed and it will be more helpful to test you once things have settled down and evened out, since that will be a much more accurate assessment of your condition.
I hope it goes well at any rate and that it is helpful for you.
Bruce.
hi vj, were u in a rehab hospital like me? they had this there- it was so annoying because I was early in my recovery. I would definitely go if my dr recommended- they will have a bench mark to measure off of, I noticed in your profile you have memory deficit, maybe they can help, I do crosswords, Sudoku and lumosity. com for memory work-also on here is great therapy recalling-or not- people, places and events. Good luck, go with the flow~~
VJ...feel blessed that you have had one offered, recommended, suggested... ...
My first test was offered 90 days after d/c...sooo limited...and "sensorymotor exam was deferred" When I left this test, I told my sis that "the....police woman released me"...
Varying tests can be/are done on computer, others on paper, or speech/language conversation; Second test was SS Disability...extensive/numerous tests... detailed, test results noted...
Each two years after, I was back in for testing...they show the areas improved, areas that declined, the areas of no change...The first of these two...tests even showed failures/limitations in both my right and left bodies...
Some test names you may want to research: Wechsler Memory Scale (several scales); Boston Naming Test, Verbal Fluency; Trail Making, Rey Complex Figure, Block Design; Wide-Range Achievement Test; Digit Span; There are so so so many tests...Ask what will be selected...at least what is anticipated...
You are blessed that any have been offered / suggested... Ask what is expected / planned and the hours...the hours can vary from a couple to many... before and after lunch, commuter time...etc...
Prayers are for any /all benefits to you in having these tests...
Pat
Thank you all who replied.
VJ
VJ,
The test can be short or lengthy. The purpose is to determine your mental, (sometimes physical) and cognitive abilities compared to your peer group of similar educated people. I believe this is a necessary test especially if your brain matter has been fooled around with (i.e. clipping surgery.) The longer test are more thorough and can be helpful in identifying gaps in your memory skills.
Hi VJ,
As I was reading the replies to your question..it dawned on me that I had a neuropsych exam after I came out of my 6 week coma in 2006 (Aha ! So thats what that was all about !! ) lol, What I recall was this women who was quite pushy and not too kind who shot me all sorts of questions, intermixed with the shrill statement of: "You've had a severe brain injury !! pay attention !! " (really..?)
And yes, watch out for the "three words" to remember, (mine were : 'Apple, Table Pennies'--this I will always remember!) this 'therapist' if you will scared the hell out of me really, and I do recall thinking to myself that this woman had the ability to make sure I did or didn't remain hospitalized .--I answered every question she hit me with , and there were many, believe me! when she stopped her 3rd degree-style of questioning, she asked me what the three words were. When I gave her the correct answer, she was floored. When she first strolled into my room, this woman told me I'd be seeing her often, yet after that day I never had to see her again--thank God! she was frightening!
Liam,
How unsettleing your Therapist sounds! You're right, in the world of Neuropsych Examiners, there must be a special niche that only a select few are able to fulfill. And considering you're in Australia and I'm in the States, couldn't they have mixed it up a bit and been somewhat creative by using 3 different words then what we got?? Lol, ( During my exam, I said under my breath-:" Don't give me a bunch of math questions next as I'm terrible at math"..so what was the very next question? you know it was mathematical madness from there on, to the bitter end of the 'Inquisition' in fact --and what is really weird is I got all the answers correct on the math part--(I must've really been scared !)
Certainly was unprofessional and worst of all introduced "BIAS" into the test rendering it meaningless!! Sorry you had to go through it. A professional would never do it that way.
So I tried to schedule my appointment. First doctor was scheduling out till jan. Got another number to a different dr and that was Oct. I asked what she will be doing and she said just testing my mental capabilities.... :'( I just wanna give up. The dr at this specific highly recommended group that I want to see won't see me w/o having this done. My pcp wants me to go to physical therapy for my neck (thinks it might help occipital neuralgia.) I am not made of money it is the slow season for hubby and we r barely scraping by. Shots r not working, meds don't work, hubby is frustrated, i have to depend on my kids, and the list goes on. Why did I survive??
VJ...
Is the dr you want to see, a neurologist or? Can s/he secure getting you in for testing sooner?
For the two you have contacted, can you ask both of those to put you on a "call list" for any cancellations that come up during your wait time? Keep your October for now...
What did your original neuro-docs explain about the pain in your neck?
Why does your PCP think you may have occipital neuralgia?
Hugs and prayers that each step will come in place...you are here for a reason...
Pat
Hi Pat,
Long story short. I can't remember when but I started getting burning stabbing headaches. My hubby believes it was right after my angio I had in march but with my memory I cant remember. I saw a Neuro Migraine Specialist from Barrows Institute. She said it is occipital neuralgia. She then sent me to a Neuro movement disorder dr for my bobbling head (thinking this aggravates the the muscles in neck and is pinching or irritating the nerves). SHe wanted to do nerve blocker shots, botox, or seizure meds. SHe is far away and my pcp said he could do shots so I got them from him. They gave some relief for a very short period of time. (not sure if they actually worked or if the pressure headache just wanted to be in control for a lil while) I am tired of being sent all over the place to so many different dr.s I want a dr that specializes in Sah. He will not see me until i see neuropsych. The neurologist that performed my coiling is a hospital dr only so cant see him. I want a dr that will go over everything with me such as what has actually happened to my brain, where is the actual damage, etc.... No one has done this for me. I just keep getting you and a rupture on your basilar artery... you sure are luck and should be happy your alive attitude doctors. Hubby is not a "caretaker" type of person. He is fed up with taking me to see doctor after doctor. Sorry for my rant and yes I'm on call list. I also forgot to mention that the one i found that has an appt in october is only testing my mental capabilities none of my motor functions. I did not have any of this before my brain exploded. So something from it caused the bobble head and the nerve issue......
VJ...first, I apologize if I have duplicated here...
I had first neuro tests...so limited notes "sensorymotor exam deferred" ... then SS Disability and then two more...each two years apart...
The third one, the neuropsychologist did somehow test (do not know which tests) and he did qualify both left and right body issues...so somehow some of their tests have to allow related "coordination"...Ask them if they can add whatever it takes...
I will track my records to see if I can locate that data ...and/or call his office next week...
May need a reminder...
Pat
Had my neuropsych eval. It was only on memory though. She did say that I was slow and need to see a psychiatrist because my answers to questions about anxiety and depression were "grim" as she put it. So I really don't know if this was any help.