How did you endure the neuropsych assessments?
 

I have to do a neuropsych assessment which comprises of 2 full days of testing. As much as I want to establish a base line and see where I am at, I just don't know how I am going to survive this. If I could endure two consecutive days of cognitive activities, I would be back at work! seriously. This is non-sensical. I cannot even have a conversation for over an hour (and the quality of conversation is low) How did you guys do it? What am I supposed to do? Advice?? :(

If the NeuroPsych Assessment causes fatigue, it will show in the scores. You may not even be able to complete the tests. Years ago, I was scheduled for 2 days and the NP ended the testing after just 4 hours.

This is not a test you are trying to pass. It is designed to find when and where you fail.

Don't worry about it. Just do what you can.

Hang tough Will. Like mark said, it's not a test you're supposed to pass, and it will give a lot of the answers you are looking for, I assume

Thanks, guys. I could not care less about how well I do. I just don't know how I am going to survive hours of mental activities. I have to do it to prove my injury to the insurance people, so I am not sure how forgiving the neuropsych is going to be given he is getting paid by someone else and it is not for treatment purposes.

Edit: Mark in Idaho, was your assessment for the insurance company?

If it's for insurance purposes then you really have to try and fight through it. Like mark said, the fatigue will show in the tests and that is good regarding insurance.

The NP is a licensed professional. He will first, administer the various tests, then score them. He will then have to interpret the scores within the guidelines of the published test standards. The only place an NP can be biased is in diagnosing causation. If your issue is about your level of function, not causation, you will be fine. If causation is an issue, then it can take a bit more effort to support an accurate diagnosis. Either way, I would not be concerned.

markneil said "If it's for insurance purposes then you really have to try and fight through it." This is not so in my experience. I have had 3 NPA's.

Don't let the idea of who is paying for it trouble you. It is more of an issue of the skills and knowledge of the NP administering, scoring and interpreting the result.

Mark,
Im curious. Are you saying you should do as much as you can and stop? I really have no idea so I am asking. I thought you said the fatigue would show on the test and that would be a good think. Like I said I know nothing about this test, nor did I ever claim to... just to cover myself in court :)

Will, Mark in Idaho is 100% correct. I totally freaked out about the test. I mean totally freaked.

I was all concerned because WC ordered the test, and I was afraid they were going to try to screw me or something. DO NOT WORRY. The tests was actually the best thing that could of happened for me. Not only did it solidify my issues and everything I have been saying, but it took the blame off of any psychological issues (anxiety or depression) that my neurologist was starting to blame it on. According to the NP, I dont suffer from it, and my issues are pure brain damage.

Anyways, do not make the mistake I did though. I researched all the tests, and my cognitive therapist basically gave me practice tests on most of the ones I did during our sessions. In hindsight I wish I didnt know/do those. As it actually made me do much better on the test than I shouldve. The NP knew this, but didnt write it down in the report.

Anyways, the tests themselves were actually enjoyable. I understand the fear of them, and how much they take out of you. But go in with a positive attitude, and actually really push yourself and give your best effort. Youll be surprised what you can actually do. There are many years of science behind these, and they will know whats going on. Also, if you do poorly on some, and good on others, that just shows that certain areas are damaged. Its natural. Heck, there were some parts of my test I was 100% sure I did awesome on, and actually did poorly on. Vice versa as well. Hopefully you can get the results quickly, I had to wait 2.5 weeks for it.

Granted, I was blessed with a very good NP who was very knowledgeable, and actually hates WC and their practices when it comes to TBI patients. When he had told me that, it lifted a lot of paranoia off my shoulders, because I knew he wasnt going to be biased.

One other thing, stay calm and relaxed, seriously. A few members on here can tell you how bad I freaked out about it, from the day I found out I was having it, until the day I got the results. It was very bad how I acted. But, it in the end its the best thing that couldve happened to me.

If the NP tests cause fatigue, let that fatigue show. Don't try to overcome the fatigue and push through it. Don't consume an energy drink or such to push through. Let the failures happen and the tests will do the talking.

Yes, My main worry is the fatigue, and being exhausted an hour into the assessment. This is what happened the last time I attempted, and I got HELL for it from the insurance people that I failed to comply.

I think there will come a time when I can solely worry about the deficits. Right now, fatigue, migraine, nausea are my issues. They are asking me to run a marathon when all I can manage is a walk around the block.