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Originally Posted by Socks
Anyway so in talking to her about this she recommended I go through the exam. So now I have to call the place and talk to them about it. I need to call my insurance too, see if it's covered. But I figured I'd ask you fine folks what to expect. I know I've read about them here, I just can't remember what was said. How long did they take? What was involved? Did you get the results right then and there? Were yours covered by insurance? Anything else I might need to know?
Thanks!
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Hi Socks. As Mark mentions the tests administered and examination duration will vary depending on the tests performed, which will be based on what symptoms you are presenting.
I've had two, one was an abbreviated (~ 2hours) as inpatient in neuro rehab, and the other was a half day outpatient about three months later. Both were covered by my health insurance.
The exact tests vary depending on how the symptoms present. My deficits included visuospatial and verbal learning and memory, abstract reasoning, mental flexibility, and problem solving. The exam should be conducted by a licensed clinical neuropsychologist.
The evaluation typically starts with an interview to get your self-assessment, and they also observe language, motor skills, and overall affect. They may include a spouse or significant other in the interview (my wife attended this part with me).
They then perform a battery of different tests of cognitive functioning. Again, the exact test may vary based on your areas of difficulty, my tests included:
Subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)
Beck Depression and Anxiety inventories
Reading tests (WRAT-3)
Auditory Learning
Visuospatial memory tests
Trail marking A & B
Wisconsin Card Sorting test
Verbal Fluency
They will compare the results with “normal” scores based on your age, education background and other demographic factors.
Both times I got a verbal summary of the findings from the neuropsychologist at the end of the test session, and had the full written report a couple of days later. The goal should be to assess where you have deficits with a recommendation for treatment. I was fortunate that after my second one I was given a recommendation to resume normal activities. It stated:
“On examination, the patient demonstrated intact cognition in all domains assessed including learning and memory, attention, processing speed, language skills and executive functions. He has shown an excellent recovery from his severe injury only five months ago. From a cognitive standpoint there are no concerns with respect to the patient returning to work full time or returning to driving”
Hoping your recovery goes well also.