This is one time when the long time frame will show to your benefit. It is likely to cause you to make more mistakes, if you get tired, or pain causes problems with concentration.

They will probably have you do a whole series of tests, visual, verbal, physical, written, etc. Each test shows up a certain part of your cognitive function.

Even though I didn't think cognitive problems were my worst symptom, several tests showed severe brain injury. The psych evaluator said that I can cover well in daily life because I have a high IQ, even though they could tell I have lost IQ points.

So, if they are fair at all, your problems should show up. BTW, I tried to really push myself, not ask for to many breaks, as getting tired made my performance much worse.

The less you know, the better about the various tests, assessments, etc. So don't be tempted to find out more about neuropsych testing, types of tests, etc.

Consider reviewing the article at this link, and think about taking a copy of this to the neuropsychologist seeing you tomorrow. Many neuropsychologists know next to nothing about Lyme. This is an excellent article which spells out specific functional consequences in a person with Lyme. If you are like me, I felt as if this article hit the nail right on the head. I saw so much of myself when I read through it. The neuropsychologist I saw said it was the best article he had ever seen about this subject, and appreciated me bring it in to the appt.
http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/diffdx/rissenberg.html

I was stunned, and even somewhat embarrassed, by my inability to perform things which I used to think were simple. Think the stress of it all made my performance worse. But like riversinger, I had a high IQ to start with. I was trained in tests and measurements, and actually gave IQ tests as part of my job. I was not qualified to give neuropsychological tests, though, and knew only a little about the specifics of these tests. But when I was in grad school, had several IQ tests to practice giving them myself. I was always in the 130 to 135 IQ range. I had a complete neuropsychological eval a couple of months ago, and fell at a dismal 100. Huge loss. And a perfect example of what Lyme can do. This loss, along with severe memory deficits, make it impossible for me to work at any job right now.

A neuropsychological eval is critical info in any disability situation. Especially for someone who has education and training and a good work history. And results will likely be beneficial to your claim. If you suspect that the results have not been interpreted correctly, consider hiring another neuropsychologist to review results, raw data, etc. For example, the MMPI has different interpretation scales, one being for chronic illness. If they interpreted the scores of a person with a chronic illness with the "normal" scales, then the person is said to be a hypochrondriac. An LTD carrier would jump all over that one, and try to change your benefits to the psych clause, so they can limit benefits.

LTD carriers are sleazy. Keep an eye on yours. The only thing they are doing is trying to generate info to justify terminating your benefits. That's their job. Cost containment. I know. I used to work directly with them on disability cases.

You will be fine. Good luck.....

I am (was?) a Mechanical/ Electrical Engineer who graduated in the top 1% of my Univ of Texas Engineering class in 1987 and I started my own Technology business when I was 23. I also taught University Calculus classes to undergrads when I was 24 and in grad school for my MBA.

I completed the neuropsych eval through MASSIVE head pain and had a terrible time "getting air" and staying awake. Believe it or not, I came out 'average' on most of the sections. So I suppose they thought I was fine.

GIVE ME A BREAK!!! Since I 'know myself well' it was frustrating to only complete certain tasks when I know 'my old self' would have finished early and wanted more. At the time, I was trying to prove to myself that I wasn't 'an idiot' and I wasn't going for SSI or anything, so I forced myself to do as much as I possibly could.

Once I completed the 5 hr test, I was so disappointed in myself for 'what I couldn't do' that I was sure they would note that in my file 'as proof' that I am not depressed or crazy but that I actually have an organic problem going on.

But no, I was 'average', so I got diagnosed with 'Functional Somatization Disorder' (this is not Psychosomatization but functional - which stands for CFS)

Anyway, my recommendation - don't push yourself, if you are able to do anything at all - you could be considered 'average' which equals OK in alot of duck books.

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Originally posted by Larkspur:
I have a neuropsych eval tomorrow morning as another "independent" evaluation per my LTD carrier (not SSDI, but a LTD benefit I have through my old job)
Anyway, I'm starting to get anxious just because every non LLMD Dr. appt I've had in the past year has been a miserable experience and I always wind up pretty upset. This appt tomorrow is scheduled from 10AM - 4 PM! I already told them that's a very long day for me.
Has anyone been through something like this? Just looking for a pep talk I guess. Thanks!

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I thought that this was interesting.....a friend of mine's son was in a car accident and had a pretty severe brain injury. He has several times gone to have testing done to see how he was progressing for school ect. The neuro told my friend to make sure her son doesn't sleep alot the night before his test and no caffeine before the appoint. So she kept him up till midnight and had him up at 5:30 am for his 8 am test...the neuro made it seem like that was routine for proper testing???