Have You Ever Had Neuropsychological Testing?
 

My neurologist has scheduled me for neuropsychological testing.

Have any of you had this testing done? What is it like? I've been told it is a 4 hour test to determine what deficits I may have.

Thank you.

For me at the time, it was painful. Lots of questions and mental challenge.

My baseline would have been extremely high, so it's hard to tell if my functioning is normal.


You'll be fine. Let us know how you do.

Yes I’ve had two of them, one about two months after my injury and a second three months later.

The times required can vary depending on the tests, but four hours is typical. The goal of the testing as you mention is to identify specific deficit areas in order to develop a therapy plan.

The test will be (most likely) with a PhD level clinical neuropsychologist. A typical evaluation starts with an interview on the background of the injury including a self-evaluation of your functioning, and may include things like a depression or anxiety inventory. If you have a spouse/significant other the psychologist may want to interview them also.

Depending on the presenting symptoms a battery of test for memory, reading comprehension, and basic computational ability will be done. Test for executive function and visuospatial function may also be administered. Tests are usually paper and pencil, or things like card sorting activities.

If you are interested in specific test they gave me send me a PM and I’ll list them out for you.

Had testing last year
 

There is a memory test which can consist of giving you a three, then four and then five digit number and see if you can repeat it backwards. You have to be able to hold it in your mind and turn it around.

There was also a test to check the strength and dexterity in my left and right hand, a sort of taping test and a strength device that measure pressure.

There is also stories which are read to you and questions that are asked about the stories to test your memory.

I believe but might be wrong that I did some balance tests.

That is all I can remember.

Good luck and it is tiring to do all the tests so rest up.

yes I did at Stanford. I wore me out. I slept for 2 days afterward. I scored low on everything but that was just me. heads up those psychologists are some messed up people three questions? 1. did you ever lie to your parents as a child?
2. did you ever play with dolls as a child. 3. do you want to become a woman?

i'm a 57 y/0 man with head trauma and I think I have problems!!!! who thinks of these weird useless questions. I had sister. I probably play with dolls on a rainy day. who cares what happened 50 years ago. lol. no I don't want to be a woman I want to think again. lol

Any NeuroPsych Assessment consists of a battery that is put together by the psychologist. There are standard batteries such as the Halsted Reitan battery that is used for head injuries but many NP's put together their own combination of tests based on their preferences and often biases.

It sounds like your NP was doing his own thing.