Brain Injury Support Group
Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. Outcome can be anything from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. A coma can also affect a child's brain.
Hi-it's been a while, but I'm back. I fell and got a MTBI/Post Concussion Syndrome in May 2009 that in these 2 years really hasn't gotten much better. I was seeing a neuro up until Dec. 2010. At that point, I was approved for Medicaid and she didn't accept it. It took me 6 months to find a Neuro who would see me. I have seen him twice, so we really don't have much of a history. He ordered the above testing for me, and I've been through 2 sessions, one more to go.
I know he told me that this will help him pinpoint where my cognitive issues are coming from and then he will know how to treat them, if he can. I was just wondering how accurate this testing is. For me, it has been pretty easy, especially since it is done in a quiet room with no distractions. I know that the things I've done for the testing are a lot harder for me when I'm out in the world. For instance, repeating words back to the doctor, etc. I found it much easier than normal because I was able to focus more. Normally, I have very little short term memory. So how do they really see why I might have a certain problem? I know I have a lot of cognitive issues, but according to how I'm doing on the tests, it looks like I have no problems. I don't know if I'm explaining this right, but perhaps someone will understand.
Also, I have a disability hearing on Tuesday, and am super scared and nervous. How can I explain to the judge how I am affected by my injury. I don't look like someone who usually presents with a TBI. My problems are more inside of me. And they are not always present. One day I might be super dizzy, another I can't focus on anything, another day I might be super fatigued, another day my short term memory might be non-existent. The judge can't see these things (unless I'm so dizzy I fall flat on my face or something). I was denied the first time I applied-their doctor said I really have no problems that are disabling. I am just so scared that the judge will be judging me according to those he has seen who have serious TBI's which of course limit their ability to work. With me, you can't see anything, and even I at times think I'm making too big a deal of it (like I think some of my friends (?) think). If anyone has any advice on either of these questions, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks, and God Bless. Kathy
I know he told me that this will help him pinpoint where my cognitive issues are coming from and then he will know how to treat them, if he can. I was just wondering how accurate this testing is. For me, it has been pretty easy, especially since it is done in a quiet room with no distractions. I know that the things I've done for the testing are a lot harder for me when I'm out in the world. For instance, repeating words back to the doctor, etc. I found it much easier than normal because I was able to focus more. Normally, I have very little short term memory. So how do they really see why I might have a certain problem? I know I have a lot of cognitive issues, but according to how I'm doing on the tests, it looks like I have no problems. I don't know if I'm explaining this right, but perhaps someone will understand.
Also, I have a disability hearing on Tuesday, and am super scared and nervous. How can I explain to the judge how I am affected by my injury. I don't look like someone who usually presents with a TBI. My problems are more inside of me. And they are not always present. One day I might be super dizzy, another I can't focus on anything, another day I might be super fatigued, another day my short term memory might be non-existent. The judge can't see these things (unless I'm so dizzy I fall flat on my face or something). I was denied the first time I applied-their doctor said I really have no problems that are disabling. I am just so scared that the judge will be judging me according to those he has seen who have serious TBI's which of course limit their ability to work. With me, you can't see anything, and even I at times think I'm making too big a deal of it (like I think some of my friends (?) think). If anyone has any advice on either of these questions, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks, and God Bless. Kathy
Second: woith the neuropsych testing . . . I hating the dude that evaluated mine. I did not feel the tests were a true look at my problems. The man said I was smart enough and he didnt want to see me again. That was over a year ago. I have since learned that there are different tests out there, and it woould be ok to seek a second opinion. I say, good luck on your final day, take what the evaluation says with an open mind and know in your heart that it does not always reflect your true condition. If you feel things were overlooked, talk to them about it, or seek a different tester at a different location.
Good to see you! Welcome back. :)
You articulated the problems with testing very well. While I did have deficits show up, I was actually surprised that my memory part looked perfectly normal. And, I mean it looked normal even in the first go-around when I was still having pretty serious memory issues.
The testing usually is pretty broad, and covers so many different areas. For me, certain parts of my results came back normal and others deficient. I would think that would be the case for most people with a mild or even moderate TBI. It's not like our entire brain is injured.
So, first of all, I would wait to see what the test results show. You may feel that you aced all parts of the test, but that may not be the case. And, even if you do, that doesn't mean you don't have a TBI obviously. It may just mean that the testing that would be appropriate for you wasn't done.
For your Disability hearing, make a list of all the things that are a barrier for you in being in the workplace. I.e.:
-Dizziness
-Fatigue
-short-term memory etc.
Explain to the judge it fluctuates. You did a very good job above in writing it all out. I think you will do a good job in explaining it.
And please remember that other people minimizing what you are going through does NOT mean you are making too big a deal of it. A TBI is hard, so hard, so very very hard.
Our abilities fluctuate with the physical and mental conditions we are in on any given day. Just because we test well one day and in A condition doesn't mean we can do as well the next time. It might be better or it might be worse. It varies, and that's part of the disabling condition.
I just retired from my career as a teacher 9/19. I will be seeking disability retirement from FL Retirement System. My union is helping me get legal advice. I will share what I find out on this discussion topic.
I will try to get federal disability soon, also. I will share that info, too.
Be brave, Kathy!