March is National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. At Northern Colorado Assessment Center, we work regularly with people who have experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI). One of the many recommendations for people recovering from a TBI is to receive comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. As we observe National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, we’re using this blog to increase awareness about the importance of receiving a neuropsychological assessment following TBIs. While many people are worried about the potential outcomes of these evaluations, it’s important to increase awareness about the fact that these assessments are intended to provide greater understanding about the impact of TBIs as well as offering increased access to any necessary resources for support.
What Are TBIs?
Traumatic Brain Injuries or TBIs are injuries that occur after trauma to the head or neck that may lead to loss of consciousness, impairment of consciousness after awakening (determined by the Glasgow Coma Scale), and post-traumatic amnesia. Causes of TBIs include falling; car, motorcycle, or other vehicular accidents; blunt force trauma; and assault. In most cases physicians, psychologists, and other professionals discuss TBIs as falling within one of three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. The category of TBI severity is determined as follows:
- Mild TBI – less than 30 minutes of unconsciousness, less than 24 hours of post-traumatic amnesia, and a 13 or higher on the Glasgow Coma Scale.
- Moderate TBI – more than 30 minutes but less than 24 hours of unconsciousness, 7 days or fewer of post-traumatic amnesia, and a rating higher than 9 but less than 13 on the Glasgow Coma Scale.
- Severe TBI – more than 24 hours of unconsciousness, more than 7 days of post-traumatic amnesia, and a Glasgow Coma Scale rating greater than 3 but less than 9.
Why Is Neuropsychological Assessment Important Following a TBI?
The most important reason to receive neuropsychological assessment following a TBI is probably also the most obvious. These evaluations help clients to understand what functions of the brain have been impacted by the injury and how this may impact their daily life. In addition to providing a picture of how damage from the TBI impacts cognitive ability and physical functionality, neuropsychological assessments also help us to understand the ways a TBI can impact the person socially, emotionally, and professionally.
What Happens During Neuropsychological Assessments?
We typically recommend that individuals with mild to moderate TBIs wait at least a month before scheduling their neuropsychological assessments because additional cognitive function can be restored up to that point. For more advanced moderate and severe TBIs, cognitive function can continue to improve for years after the initial injury. A physician or assessment psychologist can help you determine the best time to schedule your assessment, but in most cases, it’s recommended to receive a baseline assessment after a few months with follow up assessments scheduled over the next few years.
The neuropsychological testing battery is comprehensive, and it may include a wide range of evaluative tools and tests, including assessment of:
- Intelligence/cognition
- Memory
- Verbal and visual learning
- Language processing
- Visual-spatial processing
- Executive functioning
- Emotional functioning
- Processing speed
- Personality
- Social Skills
- Attention and concentration
- Learning aptitude
Following the testing process, clients receive reports that detail our findings as well as information to help them understand the real-world applicability of these findings, including recommendations for any support services or resources that may benefit the client.
How Can I Get Started?
If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI, the Northern Colorado Assessment Center would be happy to discuss your neuropsychological assessment options. To get started, simply contact our Fort Collins practice. Our intake specialist will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you find a good time to schedule your assessment sessions.
