[RubyV]

Today I had another appointment with my Neurologist. He wants me to see a Neuropsychologist for testing to see "how bad the dyslexia, memory, and other symptoms are, and to see if they are related to the concussion or psychological". He also said that if I felt like I needed "more help" I could continue to see the Neuropsychologist.

Have any of you seen a Neuropsychologist? What was it like? Did they think it was just 'all in your head' or did they take your symptoms seriously?

He also wants me to have an EEG and see a Cardiologist. Has anyone had an EEG? Did it show anything or come back clean like every other test?

I am not sure I agree with my Dr's decision to send me to a Cardio. I passed out 12hrs after my injury, and then again a month after. It has been over a month since the last time I passed out with no problems with it since. Before my injury I never passed out or fainted, which leads me to believe that it was related to the injury, however my Dr believes that it is unrelated to the concussion and is a Cardio issue instead.

Whats your opinion on all of this? Does anyone have any experience with these Drs or tests?

Thanks guys.

[Mark in Idaho]

I've had experience with all three of them multiple times. I would suggest you humor him and go see the cardiologist. The worst will be the cardio requesting a EKG or stress EKG. Neither are a big deal. Also great to get a cardio baseline for later in life. I have had three EKGs with the stress element included. It was refreshing to learn that my heart is strong.

The EEG is a simple test. Had many (5) of them over my lifetime. Did he suggest a sleep deprived EEG?

The neuro-psych assessment will be the most important for identifying your condition. Some neuro-psychs have a bias against organic injury from a concussion. This bias can be identified by how they interpret your test results. The key issue with a NPA is the battery if tests done.

The Halsted-Reitan battery is the gold standard for a full battery for mTBI. Some will try to do an abbreviated battery. The NP may do a MMPI-II then interpret it to say you are depressed. This is also easy to overcome. The MMPI-II can be worthwhile if you can get a full report of the results. In fact, a full report of the results will be valuable to understand your symptoms.

Interesting your nuero used the term dyslexia. It is not the correct term for mTBI. The symptoms may be dyslexia-like but not dyslexia.

So, go ahead and get the work-ups done. Relax and just follow the instructions. No need to prepare for any of them except for a sleep deprived EEG.

[RubyV]

Sorry Mark, I should have been more clear. I have had Dyslexia my whole life, however since the injury it has become much much worse.

I have had multiple EKG's in the past as a precaution for meds I was on, but not a stress EKG. I just don't see any reason for a cardio work up and I can't afford to just be spending extra money to appease this doc. Ill talk it over with my primary and if he wants me to do it then I will.

He didn't say he wanted a sleep deprived EEG, so I am guessing just a regular one.

I'm not sure I like this Neurologist anyways. When I asked him for any reference material he said there was none. He also said that the fatigue is not related to my condition and I should discuss that with my primary.

Oh well, I guess Ill just wait and see what happens after the EEG and Neuroshychologist.

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

I've had experience with all three of them multiple times. I would suggest you humor him and go see the cardiologist. The worst will be the cardio requesting a EKG or stress EKG. Neither are a big deal. Also great to get a cardio baseline for later in life. I have had three EKGs with the stress element included. It was refreshing to learn that my heart is strong.

The EEG is a simple test. Had many (5) of them over my lifetime. Did he suggest a sleep deprived EEG?

The neuro-psych assessment will be the most important for identifying your condition. Some neuro-psychs have a bias against organic injury from a concussion. This bias can be identified by how they interpret your test results. The key issue with a NPA is the battery if tests done.

The Halsted-Reitan battery is the gold standard for a full battery for mTBI. Some will try to do an abbreviated battery. The NP may do a MMPI-II then interpret it to say you are depressed. This is also easy to overcome. The MMPI-II can be worthwhile if you can get a full report of the results. In fact, a full report of the results will be valuable to understand your symptoms.

Interesting your nuero used the term dyslexia. It is not the correct term for mTBI. The symptoms may be dyslexia-like but not dyslexia.

So, go ahead and get the work-ups done. Relax and just follow the instructions. No need to prepare for any of them except for a sleep deprived EEG.

[roadrunner63]

Originally Posted by RubyV

He also said that the fatigue is not related to my condition and I should discuss that with my primary.

That's enough of a reason to see a different neurologist!

[xxxxcrystalxxxx]

Ruby,

If your reluctanct to go to a Cardiologist perhaps your PCP will do an EKG and simply compare them to your previous EKG's just to make sure there aren't any changes. Just a thought....

[RubyV]

I know! I was shocked when he said that! I told him that everything that I had researched said it was related. I also asked him if there is any reference or research material he could suggest so I could better educate myself on this condition and he said there was none! That is obviously not true.
I plan on discussing this as well with my primary, although I am reluctant to seen a new Neuro and go through the whole song and dance again.

Originally Posted by roadrunner63

That's enough of a reason to see a different neurologist!

That is what I was thinking. My primary has so many previous EKGs that he could compare a new one too. I just really do not think that there is any cardiac issue going on. I just don't see any reason to have a full cardiac workup. I have not passed out in over a month, and it started immediately after the injury which leads me to believe it is related to the head injury. Before that I had no cardiac issues what so ever.

Originally Posted by xxxxcrystalxxxx

Ruby,
If your reluctanct to go to a Cardiologist perhaps your PCP will do an EKG and simply compare them to your previous EKG's just to make sure there aren't any changes. Just a thought....

When I scheduled the EEG yesterday I found out that it is a sleep deprived EEG. They told me to go to bed at midnight and wake up at 4am. The EEG is at 10 am. This should really be a lot of fun since I am not a morning person at all! Guess I will be getting a lot of trashy reality tv in.

Thank you for all of the advice guys!

[Mark in Idaho]

At least you get some sleep the night before your sleep deprived EEG. I had to stay up all night prior to the EEG. Then, as they were trying to do the EEG and told me to go to sleep, a construction crew was pounding on the wall. Not possible to go to sleep with that racket. The tech complained and got reprimanded for interfering with the construction crew. Needless to say, my long night awake was a total waste.

We did determine that I have a problem with Central Sleep Apnea. As I would relax with my head supported by a rolled up towel so the electrode contacts would not be disturbed, the neck position caused me to stop breathing if I relaxed, even when I was awake. No snoring or breathing sounds at all. I would just relax and stop breathing. I believe it is due to an undiagnosed neck injury causing inflammation in my brain stem.

Of course, doctors are not interested in checking this out.

Hope you can fall asleep when the time comes.