Hi all,

Hope everyone is resting well.

I did some neuropsych testing about 2 years after my car accident. How accurate are they. I ask because they didn't speak to my husband (who has noticed differences) and the tests were done in a quiet room where I only had to concentrate on one at a time.

My main issues are memory although I had an above average memory before hand, when I have to do to much at once, issues planning ahead, noise, too much going on among others.

It didn't seem like the testing looked at these. I also hadn't worked for six months and was well rested. I fall apart if I don't get enough rest (vertigo etc).

The results weren't conclusive - she has the symptoms of pcs but can't be definite.

My Dr at the time said I have PTSD only and has stuck to this although some symptoms don't fit that.

Did anyone else find this? What should my next move be? I'm concerned if I go to another Dr I won't be taken seriously because of the previous Dr report.

If they had of tested me at the start, I know I would have failed everything yet I was sent back to work (now I don't have a job).

Thanks

I only have one data point (myself) with two NPAs conducted 3 months apart, but in retrospect they were spot on.

The first one (two months post-accident and just before I was discharged from in-patient neuro rehab) stated: “patient does show significant difficulties with visuospatial learning and recall, as well as mental flexibility and multitasking. He displays weaknesses in aspects of executive system functioning (retrieval of learned information, mental flexibility, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and verbal fluency)”. I recognized this to be true; I frequently forgot things, I’d repeat myself often, I had problems finding my way around the hospital rehab center though I’d been there four weeks, I had a hard time processing and retaining written material and couldn’t do simple math problems.

Three months later the follow up exam stated “On examination, the patient demonstrated intact cognition in all domains assessed including learning and memory, attention, processing speed, language skills and executive functions. He has shown an excellent recovery from his severe injury only five months ago. From a cognitive standpoint there are no concerns with respect to the patient returning to work full time or returning to driving”. By this time I was able to do some analytical work part time from home, I comprehended written materials (newspapers, books) fine, my wife didn’t observe me repeating myself or forgetting things, and I passed my driving test with no problems.

So to directly answer your question, I believe they are accurate for the time they are taken. Since yours was two years ago you have most likely have made improvement since then. The other dynamic is the tests administered. If you have copies of the report it should say what the tests are. For example the WAIS-IV and trail marking are tests for processing speed/attention; Rey Auditory Verbal Learning is a test for learning and memory, etc.

Regarding your next move, what do you wish to accomplish through the testing? A new test could show where you have improved and if there are remaining deficits that need attention. An NPA is expensive, but if it’s to return to the workforce and you are covered by health insurance this may be covered.

I know I need further help but can't seem to get any because I don't have a diagnosis.

I did some sessions with an OT and this helped but I believe I got better because I wasn't doing much either.

I have no direction. I have a never say never attitude and I can't was banned in our house growing up so I really pushed myself at first and fell into a big heap. I think Dr's are reluctant to say you can't work period (so I can get benefits).

Everytime I try and explain what I am going through it is put down to Ptsd and depression and with further treatment I will get better.

I am getting more and more frustrated and emotional which feeds into their initial thinking.

Hi. Maybe I misunderstood the theme of your original question.

Are you asking about NPAs in order to qualify to SSD or other disability benefits? I was able to return to work after my accident so I have no experience with this. I understand qualifying for SSD can be problamatic so you may wish to consult with an attorney that handles SSD claims if this is your concern. I'm sure others on the forum can help more with this if that is your real question.

Best to you.