Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this forum and have also been diagnosed with PCS nearly two years ago, after my concussion. I have headaches, dizziness, balance and ataxia issues, with attention and memory problems. I certainly do not feel depressed, except at times, especially when talking with doctors, in frustration with a natural depressive reaction to having these symptoms for almost two years, which haven't dramatically improved and are nothing I had experienced before my head injury. I'm pretty fulfilled and happy, otherwise, have a graduate education and some people in my life. Nevertheless, this has had a significant impact on my life, so I definitely hope it will improve.


I had a recent Neuropsych evaluation, that I cooperated in for 6 hours. However, this particular doctor tried to have me answer how he wanted me to, and not how I did and how I truly feel. He rushed through the interview with pressed time, sighing a lot, while I explained the injury and my symptoms, frustration with the insurance company (this is a workers compensation case) etc., though in concern not in a whiny tone. I felt it important to elaborate and get the facts straight. He just wanted yes and no answers and seemed to be satisfied making his own inferences. For instance he asked if I had lost my appetite at all. I replied, No, since I have not. "My weight fluctuates, it always has", I also stated. He interrupted, "So, that would be a YES, not a know". Excuse me sir, what was the question, he repeated it, I then answered No, again. My weight fluctuated do to life's changes, visitors, travel, dental work etc. etc., that does not 'imply" that I lost my appetite. But this is one example of approx. 5 questions, where he essentially answered for me. Is this normal?

Then, when we were ready to 'rush' through the tests, they were indeed rushed. With my issue in attention and short-term memory, I really had to focus, relax and take more time with most of the test, even if I had the ability, it took a little time, as it does with my mental task at home, now, or elsewhere. The problem was, he didn't give me time, just looked at me funny and sighed, which seemed a bit rude, from time to time. Again, this was 6 hours with a one hour lunch break, if I did poor on the tests, it was largely influenced by his hurriedness and my tired brain, which is still recuperating.

I don't know the results , yet. But I'm kind of afraid that he'll make them be what they aren't and just label me with 'depression'. I know what depression feels like and it's a whole other feeling. In short, I just didn't appreciate his unprofessional mannerisms and 'rush' of an evaluation, which is so important (or so I was told). Aren't we supposed to be allowed short breaks in such exams and a bit of time to see if we can actually perform the tasks?

Anyway, a bit discouraged, to sat the least. I'm really not sure how this will benefit me and my doctor on moving forward with treatment and recovery... or perhaps it was simply to help the insurance company... ?

Anyway with similar experiences? Is this experience more-or-less normal?