[MommaH4]

Just wondering how often one would get a neuropsych work-up?
My son, Alex had a head on collision with an oak tree (April 10, 2010) at the age of 18. He shattered his forehead, sustaining mild frontal lobe brain damage. He had a work-up done a few months after the accident, but I am curious if we should do it again at some point since the frontal lobe is still developing. (I've read that the frontal lobe doesn't fully develop until the mid twenties)
He is doing fine...we are all very blessed that he is as well as he is. But it seems that as soon as I think we've got a handle on the situation, all of a sudden there's a new complaint or symptom. Alex was diagnosed with ADD at a very young age and his father has tourettes...Alex never before ticked unless he was given a stimulant for the ADD. Therefore we just didn't medicate. He also had several concussions with in the year before the accident. But when he had the neuropsych work-up after the accident, we were told he didn't had ADD. And now, 16 months after the first neuropysch work-up, he is complaining of ticks.
So, is it reasonable to guess that since his brain is still developing that his condition will continue to change?

[Mark in Idaho]

From what I have read, the brain is only developing or maturing in specialized areas. For his age, judgement is an important maturing need. It is not like the brain is continuing to grow more neurons. The existing neurons are developing new skills.

As he brain settles down from this time of maturing, his symptoms should stabilize.

What are you looking for in another neuropsych assessment? It may show that he has regained some skills. Whether it does or doesn't, there is not much that can be done.

Does the neuropsych assessment include a tourettes diagnostic?

What other symptoms are manifesting at this time?

[MommaH4]

Other symptoms...facial ticks, headaches, memory loss, fatigue, anxiety, and he seems to be a bit manic...either REALLY up or REALLY down.
Not sure what I would want out of another neuropsych work-up...guess I'm just a black or white person, I want to know exactly what I'm dealing with, what he is dealing with so I can get him the correct kind of help. To be honest, I'm still having trouble accepting the new "gray" shade of normal in our lives.
Thanks for your input!