posted
I had this testing done today. I was wiped out when it was over, mainly from the frustration, I think. It took 4 1/2 hours. The most difficult parts for me were: organizing the cubes to match the picture (I couldn't do two at all), remembering the number and letter sequencing in proper order (and then in reverse order!!), figuring out patterns, remembering the faces in pictures, repeating details from a story that was read to me, reflex testing on the computer,and the math test(!!!) I can't even remember many of the tests. I go back next week to get the report and suggestions to help improve. I'm interested in hearing from anyone else who's had this done. What types of treatment were recommeded and did they help?
-------------------- Mary Posts: 93 | From New Jersey | Registered: Oct 2000
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shazdancer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1436
posted
Hi, Mary. My son has had this done, and he says they are exhausting, too! But at least you can point to something specific that says you aren't faking, you are sick.
The tests helped us understand what areas of the brain are affected the most. The school system has been working on a program to improve those areas. It was also suggested we look into a cognitive therapist. I will be checking this idea out soon.
regards, Shaz
Posts: 1558 | From the Berkshires | Registered: Jul 2001
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Boomerang
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7979
posted
Man, that sounds horrible. I really think my hubby should have this testing done.......but he would get too frustrated to try it...
What will the tests show you as far as treatment?
Posts: 1366 | From Southeast | Registered: Sep 2005
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It's very important, critical actually (and especially after all that effort) that you have the test results interpreted by an LL neuro-psychologist.
I hope you are doing this with one, because I know of many patients who recieved highly innacurate interpretations of the causes of their symptoms as well as treatment reccomendations from non-Lyme literates.
With accurate interpretation of the results, your efforts will have been well worth it, as a diagnostic tool, a tool to identify the centers of the brain most afflocted, also for personal affirmation, ro proove your sympyoms are REACTIVE to infection/organic causes, as well as a tool to track recovery/treatment efficacy in follow up testing.
When you are better, the test won't be quite so exhaustive!
Mo
Posts: 8337 | From the other shore | Registered: Jul 2002
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posted
Hi. Actually, I had to have these tests done as part of a custody suit, and my ability to work! I was told in advance that the testing procedure would take 8 hours. When the doctor saw how tired I became, he split it into 2 days. Cost $2500.00!
I had similar problems with the number/letter sequence, adding a number to a sum 2 questions back. I am a visual learner, these activities were difficult, and the pictures were easier. But it was a nonstop firing squad of questions! Exhausting!
My testing was not done specifically to determine physical treatment. However, traits of a narcissistic personality were noted and the doctor felt that I was very fragile as a result of the illness and stress.
I think that if I had the same testing now (6 months later) that I would score better, as I am somewhat improved physically and mentally. a
I was a little surprised at my test results, and could definitely see how LD has affected my brain. The testing is a good assessment tool. I definitely agree that a LL neuro-psychologist needs to score the test and do the evaluation for treatment.
Take care, and don't stress yourself out too much with the results!
Posts: 89 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Oct 2005
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shazdancer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1436
posted
Hi Boomerang,
What the tests show depends upon what tests are done, but they may include things like IQ, speed processing, verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, distractibility, long- and short-term memory, and psychological issues, including depression.
Hope that helps, Shaz
Posts: 1558 | From the Berkshires | Registered: Jul 2001
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Yes, the testing was done by a neuropsychologist. He seemed very competent and was very kind when I became frustrated to the point of tears. He does a lot of this testing on Lyme patients. I'm in central NJ....lots of Lyme patients here. I had a spect scan done 6 years ago and had asked my Dr. about having it repeated. She said this test was a better tool to see actual impairment. I am trying so hard to continue teaching. But how does a teacher explain that she is cognitively impaired?? I'll let you know the results. Thanks for the responses!!
-------------------- Mary Posts: 93 | From New Jersey | Registered: Oct 2000
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lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
i had three of these done since 94-i can't believe how wierd it was the last time when it was easy to do the blocks...i was petrified cuz i remembered not being able to do it-and then it was easy! i helped show my cog problems came more from lyme than from my car accident
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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Boomerang
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7979
posted
Thanks Shaz.........
It really sounds difficult.....
What do you differently after these test results? Does it change treatment or anything like that? Does it make a change in the normal protocol?
My hubby definitely has neuro problems altho' he's getting a bit better... I just wonder what the purpose of the tests are for? How does it change treatment?
With brain involvement, do they go straight to Flagyl?
Sorry....trying to learn.
Take care.
Posts: 1366 | From Southeast | Registered: Sep 2005
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Although helpful in the diagnostic phase, Neuropsychiatric testing does nothing to treat the disease. Its expensive$$$ and takes alot of time too. It can help as far as identifying areas of weakness in the brain, spacial reasoning etc. The only results you get are something general like "become more organized, start Lyme treatment, keep a symptom diary, buy an organizer, read more, blah blah. Although helpful, it doesnt really do much! I am in no way against doing it, just letting you know that if you have to pay out of pocket, its ALOT of $$$ to use for basically, not much. Everybody is different though. Whatever works for you!
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
I had this done: intelligence & memory testing as mentioned above then dr. thought I needed MMPI, Minn. multi-phasic index of 567 true/false questions! What a joke...they put and/or/but in every statement so your answer can go any way.
Results were very inaccurate on MMPI. I did show definite memory loss in the other areas.
I did this for my SSDI apps to prove there were memory problems. ALJ never used the results in his APPROVING me. Lyme, fibro, & chronic fatigue were completely ignored. Approved for severe depression/anxiety.
These tests were $1,000 and my insurance covered all but $60 office visits!
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