How neuropsychological testing impacts the evaluation of brain injuries

sstark on July 19, 2004

In many traumatic brain injury cases, the only way to objectively diagnose a traumatic brain injury is through neuropsychological testing.

I have seen many occasions where during litigation, the defense will retain its own neuropsychologist to evaluate the plaintiff. I believe that it is absolutely essential that the plaintiff’s attorney obtain the actual testing results and papers completed by the patient. Once these are obtained, the results should be evaluated by an independent consulting neuropsychologist.

For various reasons including inadequate reimbursement from insurance companies, many neuropsychologists will have their technicians both administer and score the tests. This is one reason why a careful review of the test’s administration and subsequent scoring is so important. In some cases, a review of the defense’s testing will demonstrate a great number of errors.

Reader interactions

8 Replies to “How neuropsychological testing impacts the evaluation of brain injuries”

  1. Patricia Lowe December 1, 2004 at 3:10 pm

    I have been in a auto accident 2 1/2 yrs ago. I have been unable to return to work since. I was struck from behind by a tractor trailer that was speeding and loaded. we were practially stoped. onthe interstate because of a accident ahead of us. everyone was stopped. I have severe pain at the base of my head and my neck. it has affected my balance. my eyesight , my thinking , I cannot concentrate, I cannot remember anything. I have to really think about it for a while. some times people think that your stupid or on drugs .
    I have severe headaches. I cannot function like a normal human . at all.
    I cannot do anything physical on my best day without having severe consequeces for it . I cannot sleeep I have talked to people that said i should see a neuropsychologist. . My treating physician is a chiropractor , he dosent have a clue where to find one. can you direct me to one I will go anywhere . I need relief and help. I cannot go on like this the rest of my life. I am a single mother . I have 4 children that need me to be there for them . can you please help??? I need to return to my normal very active , healthy lifestyle.

  2. Patricia Lowe December 1, 2004 at 3:10 pm

    I have been in a auto accident 2 1/2 yrs ago. I have been unable to return to work since. I was struck from behind by a tractor trailer that was speeding and loaded. we were practially stoped. onthe interstate because of a accident ahead of us. everyone was stopped. I have severe pain at the base of my head and my neck. it has affected my balance. my eyesight , my thinking , I cannot concentrate, I cannot remember anything. I have to really think about it for a while. some times people think that your stupid or on drugs .
    I have severe headaches. I cannot function like a normal human . at all.
    I cannot do anything physical on my best day without having severe consequeces for it . I cannot sleeep I have talked to people that said i should see a neuropsychologist. . My treating physician is a chiropractor , he dosent have a clue where to find one. can you direct me to one I will go anywhere . I need relief and help. I cannot go on like this the rest of my life. I am a single mother . I have 4 children that need me to be there for them . can you please help??? I need to return to my normal very active , healthy lifestyle.

  3. RAY BALLANTINE February 17, 2005 at 5:16 am

    MY WIFE UNDERWENT A CRANIOTOMY OPERATION ON 4-9-04.THE TUMOR WAS LOCATED IN THE LEFT POSTERIOR PARIETAL LOBE REGION OF THE BRAIN. SHE HAD RADIATION THERAPY AND RADIOSURGERY BOOST TREATMENTS.THE TUMOR WAS THE SIZE OF A LEMON & SHE TOOK STEROIDS FOR THE BRAIN SWELLING.MY WIFE ABANDAN ME & FILED A DIVORCE IN AZ. HER BEHAVIOR IS UNUASAL. SHE CANN’T DRIVE A CAR,BALANCE HER CHECK BOOK OR READ OR WRITE NORMALLY. COULD HER BRAIN INJURY AND THERAPY HAVE AN AFFECT ON HER JUDGEMENT FOR FILING FOR A DIVORCE? WHAT KIND OF ATTORNEY SHOULD I BE HIREING FOR THIS KIND OF CASE?

  4. RAY BALLANTINE February 17, 2005 at 5:16 am

    MY WIFE UNDERWENT A CRANIOTOMY OPERATION ON 4-9-04.THE TUMOR WAS LOCATED IN THE LEFT POSTERIOR PARIETAL LOBE REGION OF THE BRAIN. SHE HAD RADIATION THERAPY AND RADIOSURGERY BOOST TREATMENTS.THE TUMOR WAS THE SIZE OF A LEMON & SHE TOOK STEROIDS FOR THE BRAIN SWELLING.MY WIFE ABANDAN ME & FILED A DIVORCE IN AZ. HER BEHAVIOR IS UNUASAL. SHE CANN’T DRIVE A CAR,BALANCE HER CHECK BOOK OR READ OR WRITE NORMALLY. COULD HER BRAIN INJURY AND THERAPY HAVE AN AFFECT ON HER JUDGEMENT FOR FILING FOR A DIVORCE? WHAT KIND OF ATTORNEY SHOULD I BE HIREING FOR THIS KIND OF CASE?

  5. gabriela medeiros vieira March 25, 2007 at 10:01 pm

    I am mastering in neuroscience, and I am improving on neuropsychology but, it�s very diffiuclt to acess the Lezak�s book. I would like to know how I can get it, I mean, buy it. Thanks for your attention, gabriela

  6. gabriela medeiros vieira March 25, 2007 at 10:01 pm

    I am mastering in neuroscience, and I am improving on neuropsychology but, it�s very diffiuclt to acess the Lezak�s book. I would like to know how I can get it, I mean, buy it. Thanks for your attention, gabriela

Comments are closed.