Personal Injuries and Neuropsychology
Traumatic brain injuries as the result of motor vehicle accidents, falls, assaults and medical events may leave people with enduring cognitive problems - impact on their everyday activities, ability to work and study. Neuropsychological asessment provides objective assessment of these difficulties.
Detailed review of medical records
It is important to thoroughly review the medical records, to understand the nature of the injury and whether there are any relevant pre-existing conditions. Important documents include the ambulance service records, information about the hospitalisation and rehabilitation. Importantly, any other psychological or neuropsychological assessments before after injury are very important. An important part of the service we offer is analysis of any previous test results, and comparison - using appropriate statistical techniques - to the current results.
Thorough Neuropsychological Assessment
Interview with the client, and ideally a family member is important to understand any changes they perceive as the result of the injury. Wherever possible, these areas are quantified using questionnaires etc. The neuropsychological assessment uses robust measures with strong psychometric properties. The hypotheses developed based on the history and the reported concerns are all investigated with a goal of fully understanding the reasons for the presentation. At times a psychometrician will administer some of the tests (because they are administered exactly the same way every time) but Debbie always conducts some tests and the interviews. This means that the client can be required for most of the day.
Analysis and report writing
The test scores are analysed and compared to normative data to determine whether there are cognitive deficits and whether they are in keeping with what would be expected based on the injury. The likely impact on behaviour is examined, along with the relevant rating.