Nueropsych evaluation

Joy6 · 05-04-2012, 01:29 PM

Having one of these next week by order of workers comp. What should I expect? Should my husband accompany me?

EsthersDoll · 05-04-2012, 02:27 PM

I've never had one, but from what I've heard, they can be mentally exhausting depending on how extensive they are, so I definitely think a ride would be the safest idea - just in case.

Mark in Idaho · 05-04-2012, 04:27 PM

You do want to have someone give you a ride.

You may want to check out www.tbilaw.com and www.subtlebraininjury.com to read the comments Attorney Gordon Johnson has to say about NeuroPsych Assessments (NPA).

I would also recommend having an attorney with expertise with concussion/mTBI and NPA's counsel you and review the intentions of the NPA. The wrong battery of tests can be detrimental to your future care.

And, do not try to prepare for the NPA. If you are anxious the night before and struggle to sleep, that is OK. It will only magnify your symptoms. Do not tell the tester if you could not get a good night's sleep unless asked specifically. Only answer questions asked. Do not try to volunteer information to explain your symptoms. Let the tests speak for you.

Do your best but do not try to accentuate anything. There are validity tests that will show if you are faking.

And, try to relax and go with the flow. You will be fine.

My best to you.

Joy6 · 05-05-2012, 06:35 PM

Thank you for the responses. This is a workers comp ordered evaluation. I was going to have one done previously by the nuero-psychologist I was referred to by my neurologist, but workers comp told them no and that they will send me to one of "their" approved doctors. I plan to just be myself but since I don;t even know what type of tests to expect, it makes me a little nervous, not to mention that they said I will be there at least 5 hours! I am going to be a hot mess by the end of the day. I will be sure to post my experience on here after I am done. This test will decide if workers comp is going to resume paying me TTD checks and medical care. I don't trust them in the slightest.

EsthersDoll · 05-05-2012, 10:40 PM

You might want to get the neuropsych tests done by the specialist your neurologist referred you to in addition to "their" specialist.

I don't have to deal with WC, but from what I've read on this forum about it, they are not to be trusted, so your feeling is wise.

I hope you have a good attorney.

Mark in Idaho · 05-05-2012, 11:00 PM

Joy6,

You seriously need the advice of your attorney. If the WC insurance co wants you to be seen by their NP, he sounds like a hired gun. Does your WC attorney have expertise with mTBI issues and NeuroPsych Assessments?

You at least should have some advice about getting a second opinion from an NP either recommended by your neuro or by an experienced mTBI attorney. I hope yours is.

HeadStrong · 05-07-2012, 08:29 AM

Hi Joy6,
I am having mine in 2 days. Just go in and do your best. Hopefully, your true challenges will show.

Best Wishes.

jinga · 05-07-2012, 10:20 AM

I had a test (I paid for about 6 mon ago ) and showed deficits that my doc attributes to head injury. I am also scheduled for an upcoming re-test that the insurance company has initiated. It will be interesting to get results.

my only concern since i am still having many of the problems I had when I first tested is that is nothing has changed what conclusion will they come to? This is your norm? or if things improved but not much, conclude well you must not have been that affected or if things got worse then lord know what conclusion that will indicate. How strongly do these test try to test for psycological conditions? It seems that that the results can be interpreted in many ways. As I was told it is normal to suffer from depression after a head injury

Joy6 · 05-07-2012, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinga

my only concern since i am still having many of the problems I had when I first tested is that is nothing has changed what conclusion will they come to? This is your norm? or if things improved but not much, conclude well you must not have been that affected or if things got worse then lord know what conclusion that will indicate. How strongly do these test try to test for psycological conditions? It seems that that the results can be interpreted in many ways. As I was told it is normal to suffer from depression after a head injury

Jinga,

These are my thoughts as well and I have asked my attorney this same thing earlier today. I am waiting for him to respond. My concern is what will this test really "confirm" or "show" that two of "their" doctors have not already diagnosed me with. How will the results be interpreted and how can I be sure that the results are interpreted fairly?

It just seems like a ploy. Especially since I received a letter from them directly stating that the future of my claim is based upon this test! They are trying to make me prove myself and the sad thing is in the meantime I am missing out on therapies that was promised to me from another nuero-psychologist (one whom I loved and was really looking forward to working with)....oh yea and definitely can't forget about the 70%of my wages that I am supposed to be receiving

...I mean how are we not supposed to worry about this??

Joy6 · 05-07-2012, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

Joy6,

You seriously need the advice of your attorney. If the WC insurance co wants you to be seen by their NP, he sounds like a hired gun. Does your WC attorney have expertise with mTBI issues and NeuroPsych Assessments?

You at least should have some advice about getting a second opinion from an NP either recommended by your neuro or by an experienced mTBI attorney. I hope yours is.

No I do not believe he is an experienced mTBI attorney...didn't realize I needed one until I realized one would be needed if you know what I mean. If this gets anymore difficult, I may need to get a more experienced lawyer with mTBI.