Hello Fellow Annie Patients,

My doctor wants me to under go Neuro Psych testing. I have read a lot about it but wondered if anyone had any info on what this testing is and why a doctor would want to do it? I had a ruptured SAH in October 08. It was coiled and thank God, I survived. But I am now trying to find my way...back to life. I live in a constant fog ( Can anyone relate to that?) And feel intermittent aches and pains. I still have headaches and tire easily. I also seem to feel depressed sometimes, this is totally new to my personality...is that normal?

Any help or advice is appreciated.

I had 2 neuro psych testings after my concussion. The first one about a year after the fall and the 2nd one last year. The testing is not difficult, but tiring. From what I understand, it shows your weakness and strengths Intellectually and if there is damage. I had a concussion in 2005 and sadly, my damage is permanent. I've been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain damage.

Good luck on the testing.

If you are feeling a bit 'blue' depressed, tell your doctor and of course keep your doctor informed of headaches, the aches/pains and how you are tired and anything else that is different with you now.

I found out that doctors really can not read my mind *smiles*. You have to talk with them about your issues and make them take the time to 'hear' you. Take someone with you to your appointments that can help 'bridge' the discussion. Someone that understands you before and you now. I found that helps too.

Melek

I got neuropsych tested by my own volition because I wanted control of my funds ...... and Social Services out of my life. My testing was a series of tests with a break between to test how badly my brain had been damaged. I got control of my funds and social services out of my life by testing ok. Well really not ok I had a lot of short term memory loss but nothing to let social services interfere more in my life and I did ok. The testing took 4 hours and I had to travel 70 miles to get it done in Rochester NY. Neuropsych testing is usually done because your doctor has no way to tell about damage to the brain.

Glenn

Does this mean that there maybe damage that he suspects? I do have short term memory loss, and I tire very easily. Does social services get affected by the test results?

It is nice to know I am not alone...

No you are not alone. I'm not sure why social services got involved with Glen (above post). But I haven't had that issue of Social Services. I do have a great support group, my kids and my partner.

Lots of luck on the testing. Do your best, take your time and as my tester told me, if I needed a break, just ask....do ask.

Short term memory is an issue I too deal with though my problems are from a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a concussion due to a fall in 2005. I'm still learning to get around that. I use post it notes (but forget to look at them *laughing*) I use my calendar on my computer for all appointments and I carry a daily appointment book with me at all times, jot down stuff that I think at the time is important to remember. Everything from need to go to the grocery to get....., remember to send insurance payment etc. Whatever pops into my head, I try to jot it down and then remember to go back and look at it, transfer to my daily calendar on the computer if it is something I need to remember.

I also keep a log of my daily life....not detailed, but at the end of the day I try to sit down and (using my notes) log the day. Since tomorrow or actually 5 to 10 minutes later I can't remember something....it helps me keep a record of my life since I have no memories of the last 4 years ....I tell people, it's like I'm in a fog, I know there is a building there....I just can't seem to quite see it.

Anyway that's how I keep up with things.....maybe it will help you to figure out the way for you to come up with a way to help yourself.

Remember you are not alone....I didn't find this place until last year, and at that time I really thought that I was crazy...now I know I'm not....just changed.

Melek

I see you live in Georgia. I live in Smyrna.

Pfrabbit, I don't know how much you know of my story but I am a miracle to be here to tell you about me. I don't know how large the aneurysm was before rupturing ..... after rupture it was 2.2 cm, huge. I suffered a serious heart attack, the ruptured brain aneurysm and 2 hemorraghic strokes. Most people don't survive a rupture. I"ve never asked the Dr. how or why Social Services got involved but I expect it was because most physicians would fear brain damage and or expectations of impending non survival. At any rate I live on my own and survive on my own now. I also have my Dr.'s ok to retake my driver's exam.

Glenn

Wow, I had no idea. You have been through an awful lot....

I see/read that you are truly a survivor...and you must have some very strong angels/spirits sitting on your shoulder. Be sure to keep that positive energy that you obviously must have.

Lots of luck on the drivers test. I don't drive too much anymore. But I do drive. I used to live in downtown, urban, but my job is out in the 'burbs' (suburbs) so I moved out to be close to my job so that I don't have to drive too much.

Keep your positive energy around you.

I'm really in awe of your recovery!

Melek

I live in Stockbridge