Hi All,

Well I have the summary. It was sent to my neurologist for my appt with him but I won't have the final report with full explanation til this Sat. I'm not clear on all the info.

It's like having your first review at your grown up job but much worse because it's your core being being evaluated. Trying to read the summary brought out a lot of emotions.

I haven't worked so hard for 25 years to accept how things are now. Having it on paper is opening emotions I thought I was further along with.

Low average perceptual problem solving 21 points below verbal abilities

Auditory working memory average with borderline visual working memory

Remainder of memory indices low average range

Verbal fluency high average letters and categories but average when alternating sets

Verbal conceptualization average to high average

Visual motor speed for scanning and sequencing was severely impaired due to slowness, speed when tracing lines was average

Two functional tests showed adequate effort

Overall intellectual functioning was average, far below expectations based on educational level

Any clarifications would be great.

Jace

Hi Jace,

I didn't get a summary in advance of my meeting to discuss my neuropsych report. I wish I had. The news was much worse than I'd anticipated and I spent the first 30 minutes of the consultation just trying to absorb the shock.

That said, the meeting to discuss my report was excellent. It was about three hours long, the doctor explained everything in ways I could understand and answered my questions patiently. I left the meeting with a very detailed written report.

So, my advice, try not to sweat the summary and wait for the full report. The summary will probably serve as talking points for the discussion.

To be honest, I found it very difficult to listen to a report that detailed how much damaged I'd suffered. However, it was well worth it. My neuro-psych helped to target my treatment and, I believe, contributed greatly to the quality of my recovery.

Good Luck

Hi Jace,

Your post prompted me to go back and look at my initial Neuropsychological tests. I am very similar to you in my verbal abilities and my slow processing speed. Although I sound like I can put an intelligible sentence together, I have continuing problems with processing speed with any tasks or multiple conversations.

I have improved with Neuro Rehab, and I know for certain I am not as compromised as I was when I began this, but I still see the processing speed limitations. I think it may be more difficult to accept your current brain function because you are good in some areas, but still compromised in others, and you wouldn't necessarily be able to define or describe how you are different, except maybe this test (like my rehab) shows how this affects you.

I am just over 1.5 years out from my original injury, and I am still amazed at what is still lacking. However, I wanted to wish you well, and that you get a good explanation from the Neuropsychologist about these current findings. I hope that even at 2.5 years out, you are still experiencing some recovery. I think it's harder for you because you have such a high baseline of cognitive function before your injury.

I send good thoughts and prayers your way. Thank you for previous posts that still show your amazing insight and empathy to all of us here on this site. M-i-m

LD,

The gist of your NPA is that your biggest struggle is a visual processing issue. Your visual memory and visual processing speed is below average. There may be some ways to improve these functions. Multi-sensory learning should be helpful. Using 'text to speech' on your computer with head phones or ear buds may help. This would allow you to listen to the text as you read it. The dual pathway will enhance your ability to remember the information.

In a classroom setting, sitting at the front of the class so there are minimal visual distractions may help. Taking notes may help if you can keep up with the information. Using a smart phone to keep track of information may be helpful.

I have memory struggles too. It can be frustrating. I used to have a very good memory. Learning new ways to remember has been a challenge.

The report is not detailed enough to say much more.

It will be interesting to see what your neuro says about the report. He may refer you to speech therapy to see if you can learn some memory enhancing techniques.

My best to you.

Good Afternoon,

With my education and training I have many, many strategies and am always working on adaptations and work arounds.

My processing speed and vision are huge issues. I have not driven in over a year (saying I miss my independence does not even come close to describing the loss). Sound plagues me too. Public places are very challenging still.

On May 21st it will be 18 months. I have kept that in my mind for a long time hoping I would be healed by then and worried if I was not.

I will get full details on Sat. and am hoping it's not as bad as I am worried about.

Thanks for the support and responding.

Peace and healing,

Jace

I hear you on not being able to operate a car. We live in the middle of nowhere, so I found myself very isolated.

I am glad to report that I am driving again. As my processing is slow, I am not allowed to drive in heavy urban traffic or unfamiliar areas. I also don't get behind the wheel if I'm feeling really tired or the weather in bad. I only drive for twenty minutes at a stretch. If the journey is longer, I stop and rest.

Driving is a privilege, so I don't mind the restrictions. I sustained my TBI because of a bad driver, so I take VERY seriously my responsibility to be a safe motorist.

I am finding always using a GPS helpful. Before the GPS, even when I'm going somewhere I've been a million times, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was going the wrong way. This led to anxiety, etc... With the GPS confirming my decisions, I feel much more confident and relaxed.

Anyway, if I can get back to being a safe, if limited, driver, there's hope for just about everybody.