Did anyone see a neuropsychologist? - Disabilities Message Board

mimgregg · 03-22-2006, 11:39 AM

Hi all, I have a question. My neurologist last week said I had reached my MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement). I told him that none of my memory problems had been addressed, and until they were I did not know how I was going to be able to go back to work. His response was then I would probably never work again. He then referred me to a neuropsychologist to see if I was depressed, sleep deprived, or brain damaged. Oh, this is also a denied Workers Comp case that we are litigating. (I feel backwards and hit my neck and head on a tile floor while teaching last October.) Has anyone been to one, what should I expect? Are they harmful or helpful in trying to diagnose the problem(s). I REALLY need some feedback, the whole situation is the pits, and I am ready to get on with my life in whatever condition that may be. Thank you in advance for your input. I am still trying to get disability started through my outside insurance carriers, but am held up while they wait to see if WC pays....SIGH
~Mim

HisKid1973 · 03-22-2006, 12:43 PM

Hi. Mim. I was sent to a neuro psyc in April of 2005. I was sent by the Voc Rehab who ws testing me for employability.. It was centered around thyroid probs, chronic fatigue and brain fog..I had had previous head injuries from accidents and they were concerned this was tied in..All the testing he did was memory recall , simple\complex tasks, hand/eye coordination types of tests. He dx'ed me with dementia probable cause was thyriod and depression.GAF score 50..He gave a very thorough report which was one of the best things that got my SSDI approved.. They sent me to a regular psyc who confirned the dementia but said I wasn't depressed, anxious though(I agreed with that)GAF score 40..So it was all book/paper test for me no diagnostic type of eguipment..I hope that helped..God Bless..Kim

mimgregg · 03-23-2006, 10:42 PM

THank you for responding! The neurologist said he thought if I was unable to go back to work now, then I probably never would. Do you think that is why he sent me to a neuropsychologist? To perhaps lay the ground work for disability? No one tells me much except to go here, see this doctor, wait for a report, go see this doctor. Sigh......Thanks for reading and responding!
~Mim

HisKid1973 · 03-24-2006, 04:21 AM

Hi Mim.. I am suprised you didn't get more responses.. The neuro was testing me to see the extent of my memory problems and my employability..It was the next appt. the phychitrist that reccomended me to apply to SS after seeing all my health issues..Plus when you reach 55 they see that as advanced age..Unles you have one of the listed disabilities with the problems associated they look also for the mental aspect (depression/ anxiety)to decide..The neuro said I appeared depressed. I said frustrated that I can't work but not depressed...Anyway they seem to believe the neuro more than me ..Hey what do I know I just remodeled buildings.. Anyway they want to see tests and reposts to see there is a real and multiple issues.. If you are that ill be persistant..They denied me at first but I appealed and got a lawyer(didnt need) but the ALJ looked at my case and awarded me an on the record desicion..I was denied at the beginning of Sept. and recieved my award paper in Oct.. I also got my congressman involved and my wife and I had to seel our mobile home and move back to Pa..We were also in a christian housing shelter..The judged considered my testimony valid.They are still trying to find whats wrong. They say fibromyalgia, and I go to a rheumy next month.. Today I have an mri to do..Thank God my wife has good ins. It cost her $280 a month.. God Bless. It's may faith in the Lord that gets me through..Kim

mimgregg · 03-26-2006, 10:57 PM

Well I have completed 3 hours of verbal, visual, and reaction type testing and know I have a brain cause it has a big cramp right now....lol. I am undergoing 3 more hours on Thursday. I guess we are figuring out what works right and what doesn't. What does GAF stand for? Thanks!
~Mim