Neuropsychology Central

[msluketich]

I had an inproperly installed metal garage door fall on my head 5 months ago. 4 Staples, 2 CT scans, 1 MRI later my friends and doctor all agree that I have brain damage. I had a test yesterday, but it was so basic, it was laughable, considering that the tester had spoken with me on the phone before the test. It was "point to the cup", "spell up" - I have a doctorate in education and worked with engineers and rocket scientists - OK, enough venting - my questions:

Who in Texas might provide high level cognitive testing for adults for are on the upper IQ range and are professionals (I'm sure the tests shold be different for that population).

What tests should I be looking for when a professional suggests testing?

What type of professional should I be looking for? Neuropyschologist, Speech Path, or someone else?

Thanks!
_________________
Monica L.

[drejb]

Not sure who referred you or how you got to the individual who did what appears to be a brief screening. As indicated elsewhere on these board, we ask questions be general and answers must not be considered as individual advice.

Here are some general guidelines for people looking for assessment of brain damage following an injury where there may be potential legal liability.

1. Obviously at some point if one is admitted for a brain injury or possible brain injury, one should be seen by a neurologist - follow the neurologists advice, or if in doubt get a neurological opinion. This is important for acute care. THe neurologist should also be familiar with local neuropsychologists who can conduct any needed assessment.

2. If an injured individual has retained an attorney, their attorney should also know who qualified neuropsychologists or neurologists would be.

3. If the attorney tries to get an injured indivicual to find their own neuropsychologist, they may be trying to save their costs of retaining an expert. This puts the indivdual in jeapordy, since any evaluation done outside of the retained expert is discoverable and approx. 30-40% will fail sensitive validity measures. THis will often hurt any case and raise questions about credibility.

4. Getting evaluations by people who have not been recommended by an attorney representing you or a trusted physician who is treating, can be a shot in the dark, and if there are legal implications, obtaining a bad evaluation can make it seem there are contradictory results.

5. If you have an injury which is potentially in litigation, posting information to public forums is probably not what a prudent attorney would recommend. It is not protected information.

There are plenty of qualified neuropsychologists in TX who could perform such and evaluation. Most would be wise not to touch it unless retained by the injured individual's attorney.
_________________
Ernest J. Bordini, Ph.D.
Editor/Administrator
http://www.NeuropsychologyCentral.COM

Executive Director
Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida
http://www.cpancf.com
2121 NW 40th Terr. Suite B
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 336-2888