Author Topic: Neuropsychological Testing????  (Read 1771 times)

golden

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Neuropsychological Testing????
« on: February 10, 2009, 09:35:12 pm »
I am  44 yrs. old and 22 months post AN. My AN was 3.7 cm located at the bottom left side of my brain which was pushed over to the right side of my head and pressed up against my brain stem which, was slowly cutting off the nerves to my lower body. Unfortunatly, post surgery I was sent home from the hospital with (shall I say) no clue as to what I was in store for in my recovery process. I thought the tumor was removed successfully therfore, everything was going to be normal again. WOW was I living a  BIG FAT DREAM.  Long story short I have been from one Dr. to the other and had hand fulls of scripts that they would prescribe (because they didn't know what to do). Long story short I just recently found a therapist that suggested that I have Neuropsychological testing done to see if there is any brain damage from the AN. I was wondering if anyone here has had this type of testing done? I hope this will give my doctor some type of base line to work off of.
I am disappointed that my surgeons (Bless them they did a wonder job removing my tumor) didn't have suggestions as to what to expect or guide me in a directions of a caseworker someone that I could call or see to help me with the variety of iconditions that have develpoed post surgery. I guess what I am asking is will this help? Or is this just another dead end path I am going down?  ??? 

nancyann

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Re: Neuropsychological Testing????
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2009, 11:12:56 pm »
Hi there golden:   this is anything BUT a dead end path  !  Let's see how your neuropsych. testing goes - keep us informed.
Always good thoughts,   Nancy
« Last Edit: February 10, 2009, 11:45:12 pm by nancyann »
2.2cm length x 1.7cm width x 1.3cm  depth
retrosigmoid 6/19/06
Gold weight 7/19/06, removed 3/07
lateral tarsel strip X3
T3 procedure 11/20/07
1.6 Gm platinum weight 7/10/08
lateral canthal sling 11/14/08
Jones tube insert right inner eye 2/27/09
2.4 Gm. Platinum chain 2017
right facial paralysis

Sue

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Re: Neuropsychological Testing????
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2009, 01:44:39 am »
So sorry you have had such a rough journey.  This is a common complaint about surgeons, I think.  They go in and surgically remove the offending tumor and as far as some of them are concerned, it's another successful surgical procedure.  The after affects aren't necessarily anything that they are interested/qualified/experienced (take your pick!) in.  Severe headache management sometimes requires a doctor who specializes in headaches, etc. 

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to do the testing.  Maybe it would be of some help.  You might look at alternative medicines too.  Some have been helped with acupuncture, massage, yoga, vestibular therapy, that kind of thing.  Of course, this depends on what ails you.  That might work for some things, but not other, more severe medical problems.  Just throwing that out as an idea. 

I hope time soon heals you,

Sue in Vancouver USA
Sue in Vancouver, USA
 2 cm Left side
Diagnosed 3/13/06 GK 4-18-06
Gamma Knife Center of Oregon
My Blog, where you can read my story.


http://suecollins-blog.blogspot.com/2010/02/hello.html


The only good tumor be a dead tumor. Which it's becoming. Necrosis!
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Jim Scott

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Re: Neuropsychological Testing????
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2009, 02:26:20 pm »
Golden:

I'm not a physician but it would seem logical that neuropsychological testing - and there are dozens of specific tests available - might be advantageous in helping to find solutions for your post-op problems.  I would go for it.

The issue of surgeons being disinterested (and inexperienced) in handling their patient's problems resulting from the AN removal surgery is, unfortunately, quite common.   They are specialists and few are interested or even qualified to treat the 'whole' person.  I think of it this way; like expecting my plumber - a specialist in his own field - to fix my automobile's problems.  Come to think of it, even auto mechanics specialize, now.  There are brake specialists, engine electronics specialists, etc.  The advent of the medical specialist may have narrowed doctor's skill sets but probably increased their overall successes, especially in the surgical disciplines.  However, I wish more neurosurgeons could show greater interest in the after-effects of their surgery, educate themselves on the specialist(s) that could possibly help patients with post-op-related problems and recommend these doctors to patients who are suffering, sometimes for years, as you have.  Until that happens, we have to be pro-active and seek out specialists that can possibly help.  That being the case, you're on the right track - and I wish you success.

Jim 
« Last Edit: February 11, 2009, 04:06:19 pm by Jim Scott »
4.5 cm AN diagnosed 5/06.  Retrosigmoid surgery 6/06.  Follow-up FSR completed 10/06.  Tumor shrinkage & necrosis noted on last MRI.  Life is good. 

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.  The way we cope with it is what makes the difference.

tony

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Re: Neuropsychological Testing????
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2009, 02:06:30 am »
Sorry for your troubles
Firstly the term "brain damage" has an emotional (panic ?) link to it
what we may be talking about is a mild period of adjustment
Dont worry about Docs who dont know - this is a very specialist
subject - and at the edge of medical understanding
Take the tests - they can evaluate you and work out the best way forward
I have been researching brain rehab for a while now
(I have poor short term memory, and cant add up for toffee)
It seems simple (mental) exercise is usually the best course
I have posted a link to long list of other possibles

http://www.cognitive-rehab.org.uk/EditedRecsBestPrac.pdf

Note that just reading a bit more often, is actually quite good for you !

Basically the more you do - the better/quicker it will get
If you think about it - your mind has worked for 5-10-15 yrs a certain way
- now it has to make a new way - and you are only 1-2-3 yrs along
It may take time and application to become as practiced as before ?
Hope this helps
Good Luck
Tony

Patti

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Re: Neuropsychological Testing????
« Reply #5 on: February 12, 2009, 01:15:41 pm »
i so much understand.  i was in a rehab center for 6 weeks after 2 weeks in ICU.  the surgeon did a great job but was no help with recovery.  at the rehab place i had ot, pt, and st.  when i got out, i had to continue for a few months on an outpatient basis.  on my last day there, the speech therapist noticed there were some cognitive deficiencies so i went to cognitive therapy which helped me understand some things.  then, i decided to apply for disability as i was a teacher and just not "with it" mentally.  in order to get disability retirement i was sent for neuropsychological testing.  it was the most thorough testing (5 hours) and the results really helped me accept the new me.  i highly recommend it.  patti
4 cm AN removed 12/2000
subsequent brain swelling
removal of part of cerebellum
face, scalp,tongue numbness and partial paralysis
no corneal sensation and no tears-frequent eye issues
cognitive issues
Regrowth (3.1 x ..86 cm) treated by SRS on November 6, 2015

golden

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Re: Neuropsychological Testing????
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2009, 09:14:21 am »
Thank you so much for the advice.  I am hoping with this testing I can start at a base line and build from there.  Without all the medication I have been given to help with this and that or the I don't knows but, here take this.
It is a shame that the surgeons do not understand that after surgery we need someone that can help us find the Doc's or therapist we need to adjust to the conditions that we have developed from the brain surgery. I am grateful that I was directed to this web sight. It has been more than helpful to me. At least, I now know that I am not alone in this journey of adjustments that I have to make to become the new me. Thanks to everyone that has given me advice or have answered questions that my own Dr.'s couldn't.
Good luck to everyone in their journey back to recovery .
Golden :)