Does anyone have any experience with seeing a Neuropsychologist?

[Sound_system]

I've arranged for my wife to see one, the appointment is coming up.

Just wondered if anyone has some experiences or tips to share?

[pinkvision]

Hi , yes, make sure you write all the symptoms down, any patterns in how they affect every day activities, structure it all out in a time frame if it's been a while. That's what I was advised to do by a friend who is a clinical psychologist in a different field. My assessment was 5 long sessions over 2 months. Oh make sure there's someone who can give a before and after accident description of the person being assessed.

Good luck

[Sound_system in reply to pinkvision]

Thank you. I'll do some prep.

[claretand]

Hi, my wife had a number of sessions with a neuropsychologist. It's a tricky subject, my wife was able answer all the questions but it is a controlled environment. It showed us that she was more than capable on a one to one basis but once you factor in everyday life and distractions she found it increasingly more difficult. She also found it mentally exhausting, we cut the sessions to 20 minutes per visit. I personally found it a positive experience, it showed that her mental capabilities were still in tack and with sufficient recovery time her brain would continue to heal and hopefully so would her ability to function better outside of a one to one scenario.

[Sound_system in reply to claretand]

Thank you. So they ask questions almost like a test?

[sealiphone in reply to Sound_system]

They'll want to get a overview of how your wife may be struggling with her symptoms, very good advice about putting it in writing, the Neuropsychologist may want a copy.

There are a number of standardised tests with each one testing a different function such as, memory, concentration etc.

If these tests are done your wife would receive the report, which will identify any particular area of weakness.

Based on the results they will be able to suggest strategies that hopefully help your wife to cope better with her symptoms.

[claretand in reply to Sound_system]

In effect yes. As Vikki has said it really is to analyse any difficulties your wife may have post tbi. It is important to be with her during the therapy as sometimes they do misinterpret the answers. Some questions they asked my wife she would not have been able to answer pre tbi so had no chance post tbi. Her medication also influenced some of the analysis. Overall it is a positive experience.

[Danger19]

Hello my lovely,

My Dad has a Neuropsycologist for help with his Multiple Sclerosis and as a nurse I have some understanding of how they work. Sorry if I give a lot of information but the nurse in me really wants to help.

So a Neuropsycologist deals with the nervous system and how it is operating for an individual. The Neuropsycologist will assass a patient and tell them what problems they have within the nervous system and how severe. They are usually involved with looking at the following conditions and how they affect the patient. So conditions such as;

Traumatic brain injury

Parkinson's disease

Alzheimer's

Multiple Sclerosis

Anything affected by the nervous system.

They will consider the symptoms a patient is experiencing such as;

Memory problems

Nervous system problems such as those experienced with Multiple Sclerosis

Difficulty controlling emotion

The Neuropsycologist will assess everything the nervous system is involved with such as;

Personality, ability to solve problems, if the brain functions as it should so cognative ability, and emotions. They will look at the results of CT and MRI scans to assist them.

So please don't worry, you have done the right making the appointment. Make sure you tell them every concern you have and the functioning you have observed from your wife. As a nurse I tell people to write a list of what they want the medical professional to know about the condition and any questions you need answers too. Don't think any question is too silly to ask, if it is concerning you just ask. All this advice is for your wife too, as to what to say during the appointment. I know my dad would be lost, in pain and experiencing bad depression without his Neuropsycologist. I know this because they were the symptoms he had before he saw his proffesional.

I hope I have helped a little, it always helps a person when they have an understanding of something medical.

I wish you and your wife peace, happiness, good health and a whole lot of luck,

Vikki

[Sound_system in reply to Danger19]

Thank you

[Kavib]

I have had many appointments and they have been extremely helpful 4 years on I still go but only once a month and before it was much more frequent. It has helped with my work, confidence, family life and I really enjoy going to the sessions now. She will really benefit from this!

[Sound_system in reply to Kavib]

Thanks

[WinB]

I remember being asked who is the PM of the UK I said quite confidently erm erm Tony Blair they said " Noo " I mean I had a headful of water to contend with/Hydrocephelus. I never even knew I was ill. I remember being asked how much I drink and said "I don't get a look in as when husband has started on it there is none left for me". Don't think they bothered me much after that !! lol ohhh !!

[Kavib in reply to WinB]

I said Margaret thatcher! 😂😂😂

[WinB in reply to Kavib]

I mean was out of it for a year nearly and a general election. Trick questions lol xxxx