Neuropsychological testing
PHOTO: The top of of my neuro-psych evaluation report.
Last week I went to see a new doctor. During the six-hour appointment I got to draw pictures, describe the meaning of words, memorize stories, solve simple and complex mathematical calculations, and play computer games.
I was seeing a neuropsychologist.
WebMD says neuropsychological testing can help doctors find out how damage to your brain may be affecting your ability to reason, concentrate, solve problems, or remember. A doctor may suggest this type of testing if you have a disease that can damage the brain, such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson's or a brain tumor.
In my case, I was sent to a neuropsychologist because I have never been to one--which is odd, because most brain tumor patients end up seeing a neuropsych within their first year. The appointment captured a baseline of how my brain is functioning now to use as a baseline for later should my tumor start growing again.
I asked my neuro-oncologist if I could see a neuropsych because I want to "make sure" I am OK. I worry that one day I will be deep in my career only to find out that all along I was not remembering anything people told me. I bet this makes me sound paranoid, but I want to be sure.
When I receive the results of the evaluation I will report back.I am pretty transparent, but I won't mention anything embarrassing, like, "Liz has horrible math skills--she counts on her fingers." Because that is actually true. Oh wait, I just told you.
Have any of you been through neuropsychological testing? What did you learn about your brain?
Update: I received the results of my neuropsychological testing in October 2013. While I did find the results insightful and interesting, I made the decision to not share these publicly.
