[Halfnelson]

Hi all,

Under the instruction of my neurologist, I have spent the last 6 months seeing various specialists and undergoing specific assessments to help determine what/if there are any PCS issues that need to be addressed.

The assessments included neuropsychological, vestibular, vision, and hearing tests.

Despite my continual and frequent symptoms (feeling slowed down, difficulty with speech, light & noise sensitivity, tingling in head, balance & coordination problems) the assessments could not reveal any 'measurable' deficits. I had prepared myself for this outcome.

So 6 months (and unfortunately many $$$s) later my neurologist is suggesting that all the symptoms are caused by anxiety. I do not want to seem like a wet blanket and I do agree that stress and anxiety makes the symptoms worse. But is it true that anxiety can cause all these symptoms?

When I asked my neurologist whether he thought that anxiety was the root cause or just an aggravator of the symptoms, he indicated that he was not sure and quoted the old saying "(Which came first) the chicken or the egg?"... Not very encouraging!

Does this seem like an accurate diagnosis or more of a fob off?

It reminds me of doctors telling patients that they have a 'virus' when they are not sure what the problem is.

Either way, I do not plan on having any more assessments. I need to get out of the patient mindset and try and move on with my life. Posting on these boards is probably putting me in a negative mindset as well so I will try to cool it.

Thanks everyone

[Mark in Idaho]

Rather than posting about trying to find a diagnosis or fix to your struggles, why don't you tell us how we can help you learn to live with your struggles, whether perceived or seriously real.

There is great value in learning to just move forward while taking precautions to avoid a serious relapse of symptoms.

What were the test results (scales) of the NeuroPsych Assessment ?

Many times, an NP will impute his biases into his subjective report when the objective individual test scales may indicate something different.

[Halfnelson]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

Rather than posting about trying to find a diagnosis or fix to your struggles, why don't you tell us how we can help you learn to live with your struggles, whether perceived or seriously real.

There is great value in learning to just move forward while taking precautions to avoid a serious relapse of symptoms.

What were the test results (scales) of the NeuroPsych Assessment ?

Many times, an NP will impute his biases into his subjective report when the objective individual test scales may indicate something different.

Hi Mark,

As I mentioned towards the end of my post, whilst these assessments were all at the request of my neurologist, I will not be undertaking any more and do not wish to find a PCS diagnosis if one does not exist.

I am interested in whether my symptoms could truly be due to anxiety. Assuming this is the case, then I can take measures (or precautions as you say) to reduce anxiety. So I would be interested to hear what people with similar experiences and who need to work full-time have done in this regard.

I have not received a written report from the neuropsychologist but will try and obtain one for my own understanding.

Thanks,

Halfnelson

[Mark in Idaho]

Personally, I would never trust an NPA report given verbally. I have had three NPA's and the scales did not match the diagnosis in two of the NPA's. The patient is always entitled to the scales. It is best to have the scales explained by a professional but then the patient can do personal research to understand the scales even more.

The MMPI-II is often misinterpreted with the patient diagnosed as depressed or suffering from anxiety when a more in-depth analysis of the scales can indicate mTBI. It is very rare that these more in-depth analyses are done.

So, refresh me with a list of your continuing symptoms, especially the worst symptoms.

Either way, you do need to reduce your anxiety levels.

[Halfnelson]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

Personally, I would never trust an NPA report given verbally. I have had three NPA's and the scales did not match the diagnosis in two of the NPA's. The patient is always entitled to the scales. It is best to have the scales explained by a professional but then the patient can do personal research to understand the scales even more.

The MMPI-II is often misinterpreted with the patient diagnosed as depressed or suffering from anxiety when a more in-depth analysis of the scales can indicate mTBI. It is very rare that these more in-depth analyses are done.

So, refresh me with a list of your continuing symptoms, especially the worst symptoms.

Either way, you do need to reduce your anxiety levels.

In order of severity; feeling slowed down and difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking and reading, head tingling and tightness, light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, balance and coordination issues.

The only things which help reduce the symptoms are sleep, general rest, avoidance of exercise, avoidance of stimulation overload, and just doing things more slowly. This is why I am taking 4 weeks leave from work and spending it at a holiday home outside the city. Hopefully it will help a little.

Thanks again,

Halfnelson

[anon1028]

I know my symtpoms aren't in my head. they are brutal and real. the best doctor I ever had told me that it is their fault that they can't measure the problems yet. that they have no machine to show what's wrong. of course he was fired by the psycho doctor in charge but he was a breath of fresh air while he lasted. I should have followed him to his new residency but now I don't know where he is. it's hard to move forward with some of the insane symtpoms that I have but I guess I have to figure out a way how. I guess we all do.

[TBI/PTSD]

Since I am not the same since before the fifth unconscious concussion, I can't live the way I lived pre concussion. I had a real hard time believing it was real. Lots of people had to tell me. I guess the biggest indication was when I was told that I was going to be medically retired. I had alot of guilt because it wasn't my nature to pull back and take care of myself, I didn't know how. I always dug deep inside of myself to push harder. That simply doesn't work anymore. I guess the "the invisible injury" makes it hard for me to accept.

I have tried to do a lot of different things since learning of my retirement. I tried volunteering at a National Park where I used power tools and loved being super physically active but working in the heat wasn't good for me nor were the power tools because I lacked the focus and concentration, also, my vision is off which may have contributed to my accidents.

I have had to learn how to live a slower life, finding things that relax me (my things are yoga, meditation, being out in the woods (nature) paddle boarding. I think the biggest contributor of getting to where I am today is listening to my body. Sometimes I can go all day wo rest, other days I end my day mid afternoon because I have been over stimulated. I don't go a lot of places I used to. No metro, public crowded places, places where I am not in control (on a boat) usually I am alone. I get invited to do things but really I would rather be at home in my routine because I know it works.

I REALLY hope your time away from the city helps you establish solutions that will become your "go to" solution when you come back to the city. Much peace to you.