Has anyone heard of having a 5 hour test  to mesure your cognitive thinking and function of your brain? ( your memory and reasoning..etc)  I have heard that this test can be mesured to see how bad your MM is to see if you really need surgery regaurdless of having a 100% blockage. Has anyone had to take this test??  Even if the answer is No can you please let me know! I was surprised to hear this because I never saw it mentioned on the board here before...
Thanks!

Tracy,
Neuropsychological testing is pretty standard testing for lots of people.  I had my initial neuropsych at Loyola, but have had subsequent tests at Stanford.  Most centers that I have read about use it in conjunction with the blood flow studies, angiography, MRI/MRA testing etc., however, I have never heard of it being used as a measurement of how bad your MM is or as a determining factor in whether or not you need surgery.  This testing is usually used to establish a baseline of cognitive function soon after diagnosis.  The testing is repeated at different intervals depending on who is managing your follow-up care.  It is used to see if there are any changes in your cognitive function over time.  The testing can be long and fairly exhausting.  Make sure that you have plenty of rest and are sufficiently hydrated.  Also, don't be afraid to let your clinician know if you need a break or if it becomes too much for you.  Most places are pretty understanding about the rigors of this test and I know some people who have been offered to split it up into two days.
If you are going to do it at Loyola, I can talk to you at length about what to expect.  I found it easier to deal with when I knew what kinds of things they would be doing.
I hope that you are well.  I have been thinking of you every day and wondering how you are.  Give me a call if you want to talk.  If you don't still have my number, just send me an e-mail at traceyuher at hotmail.com
Hugs,
Tracey

I had it after my surgeries once my short term memory was foggy.  They told me to make list and focus more.  Sometimes I forget my list. I did really did not feel any better after I had taken it, but I really wanted to take it for my own sensibility.