Having one of these next week by order of workers comp. What should I expect? Should my husband accompany me?

I've never had one, but from what I've heard, they can be mentally exhausting depending on how extensive they are, so I definitely think a ride would be the safest idea - just in case.

You do want to have someone give you a ride.

You may want to check out www.tbilaw.com and www.subtlebraininjury.com to read the comments Attorney Gordon Johnson has to say about NeuroPsych Assessments (NPA).

I would also recommend having an attorney with expertise with concussion/mTBI and NPA's counsel you and review the intentions of the NPA. The wrong battery of tests can be detrimental to your future care.

And, do not try to prepare for the NPA. If you are anxious the night before and struggle to sleep, that is OK. It will only magnify your symptoms. Do not tell the tester if you could not get a good night's sleep unless asked specifically. Only answer questions asked. Do not try to volunteer information to explain your symptoms. Let the tests speak for you.

Do your best but do not try to accentuate anything. There are validity tests that will show if you are faking.

And, try to relax and go with the flow. You will be fine.

My best to you.

Thank you for the responses. This is a workers comp ordered evaluation. I was going to have one done previously by the nuero-psychologist I was referred to by my neurologist, but workers comp told them no and that they will send me to one of "their" approved doctors. I plan to just be myself but since I don;t even know what type of tests to expect, it makes me a little nervous, not to mention that they said I will be there at least 5 hours! I am going to be a hot mess by the end of the day. I will be sure to post my experience on here after I am done. This test will decide if workers comp is going to resume paying me TTD checks and medical care. I don't trust them in the slightest.

You might want to get the neuropsych tests done by the specialist your neurologist referred you to in addition to "their" specialist.

I don't have to deal with WC, but from what I've read on this forum about it, they are not to be trusted, so your feeling is wise.

I hope you have a good attorney.

Joy6,

You seriously need the advice of your attorney. If the WC insurance co wants you to be seen by their NP, he sounds like a hired gun. Does your WC attorney have expertise with mTBI issues and NeuroPsych Assessments?

You at least should have some advice about getting a second opinion from an NP either recommended by your neuro or by an experienced mTBI attorney. I hope yours is.

Hi Joy. Since other have posted about the legal implications I won't comment further on that, but there are a couple reasons for your husband to accompany you. In addition to providing a ride and emotional support, the usual protocol is to include the spouse in the interview portion of the evaluation.

The evaluation itself will likely be performed by a PhD level clinical neuropsychologist. The typical format is an opening interview (which is where your husband would come in) followed by a series of tests which could include general intelligence tests (Wechsler AIS), a depression and/or anxiety inventory, verbal and visual recall such as digit span, trail marking, word memory, and pattern recall. Following the tests the neuropsychologist will probably review the finding with you.

Lighttrail,

How long was your testing? It sounds like it was a short session. The stesting i had was about 5 hours in total. Several different things.

About 4 hours: Initial inverview, subtests of WAIS-IV, Beck depression and anxiety inventory, Patient Competency Ratings Scale, WRAT-3, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning, Visiospatial memory test, trail marking A&B, WCST, Verbal Fluency, post testing evaluation and debrief.

Unless the NeuroPsych office has specifically requested the spouse be present, they are not usually included. I have had three NPA's. Only one had my wife there and it was the 45 minute mini version done for SSDI by a generic psychologist. She was not asked about my cognitive and memory skills but rather behavioral issues.

The 4 and 5 hour NPA's were without my wife and did not include a debrief. The 5 hour was schedule to go into part of a second day but the NP stopped it early because he already had decided on a diagnosis.

IMO, A NeuroPsych who needs the spouse's comments is fishing for ways to deny the organic nature of the complaints.

Lightrail, I am curious about your Trailmaking test scores. What were your times and what was the evaluation of those times?

Often, the A and B times are not properly evaluated for concussion.