Neuropsychology Telephone Clinic Assessment

[Chelle3069]

Hi, I was hoping that I could get some advice on what to expect from this appointment. From what I have been reading online, the abilities tested include reading, language use, attention, learning, processing speed, reasoning, remembering, and a few others.

My question is how can they do this when it is done over the phone and not being in the room with them unless this is how they usually do it. Also, it asks if I could bring someone with me like family or a friend that knows me. I don't have any family anymore since this and my best friend died who knew me well and was with me loads. I spend most of my days on my own with my dog and assuming he will be of no use.

I'm hoping someone on here will know the answers here because the more I'm trying to find out online the more confused I'm getting.

Thank you for your time.

[Marnie22]

Hi. I had a neuropsychology assessment a couple of years ago and I cannot imagine how it could be carried out over the phone. I don't even know why they would do it that way as face to face appointments have been happening in most places for quote a while now. A telephone assessment would be so much more exhausting than doing one face to face. I think it might be helpful for you to call the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244. I think they could help you with this.

Best wishes. 🌼

[Chelle3069 in reply to Marnie22]

I was thinking of doing this and see what they say, if fact I was going to today but forget. Thanks for replying though, much appreciated.

[Marnie22 in reply to Chelle3069]

🙂🌼

[Chelle3069 in reply to Marnie22]

If you don't mind me asking you, what is it they do there? It was just with you saying that telephone assessment would be tiring. I had my neurologist appointment a couple of weeks ago over the phone which set my stutter off and could hardly put a sentence together. Which I might add I didn't have before the COVID thing.

[Marnie22 in reply to Chelle3069]

Hi. Well, since my brain injury I have found telephone calls much more tiring than talking face to face. I do have quite a lot of problems every day with cognitive fatigue. A Headway person explained to me that telephone calls are more tiring because you don't get the visual clues you get when you can see someone. For most people who don't have a brain injury that isn't generally a problem.

My assessment consisted of lots of different questionnaires of many different types, but also lots of tests that were visual - where you needed to look at diagrams etc. I know they tested memory, concentration and attention, among other things. The first part of the assessment was completed and then we had a break. During that break the neuropsychologist used the results of the first set of tests to decide which further tests would be used after the break. I think the whole thing took about three hours. I did have to have some mini breaks during that time.

I think I was a bit disappointed in that I didn't get anything significant advice-wise from the assessment. The main thing I got, (which was enormously important,) was that the neuropsychologist diagnosed me as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

[Froggiefrog]

The circumstances may be slightly different, but I have a doctor's letter stating that they do not consider contact by telephone to be appropriate for me at present. In correspondence, just mentioning I have this letter has, so far, been enough to stop two organisations doing things in the way that is easiest for them. I had to pay for the letter, but it has been worth it, to avoid having to ask working people to take time out to help me when other ways to get the information these people need are feasible.

[Pairofboots]

Hi Chelle, they can't carry out the usual assessments over the phone. I would assume that it will be a general chat to see how you are getting on, and if they need a more detailed face to face consultation sooner rather than later.

Going back many years now, my first contact with neuro-psychology was via telephone, but this was to assess my safety, and how urgently they need to intervene. In my case, very quick at the time.

Wishing you well.

[Painting-girl]

Good advice here Chelle, I had all the neuropsychologist assessment tests done face to face over a morning, and agree with Marnie.

Please do talk to the Headway helpline, and also, if you feel up to it, just ring back the neuropsychology department, ask what they plan to do at your phone appointment, and explain you don't have anyone close that can sit in with you and ask what they suggest.

Hope it all goes well, and do come back and tell us how you get on x