Neuropsychological Evaluation in Traumatic Brain Injury

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2017 May;28(2):339-350. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2016.12.009. Epub 2017 Mar 7.

Abstract

Clinical neuropsychology is a subspecialty of professional psychology that is concerned with the scientific study and clinical application of brain-behavior relationships. Broadly defined, a neuropsychological evaluation is a flexible clinical tool that involves integration of objective, psychometric test data along with various other sources of clinical information to comprehensively elucidate the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional sequelae after traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition to characterizing TBI sequelae, evidenced-based neuropsychological assessment can contribute to TBI patient care by aiding with prognostic assessment, measuring interval change/recovery over time (eg, resolution of posttraumatic amnesia), informing and implementing rehabilitation strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.

Keywords: Assessment; Brain-behavior relationships; Cognition; Neuropsychology; Outcome; Psychometrics; Rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Prognosis
  • Time Factors