The Role of Neuropsychological Evaluation in the Clinical Management of Concussion

Amy K Connery; Robin L Peterson; David A Baker; Christopher Randolph; Michael W Kirkwood

doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2015.12.001

The Role of Neuropsychological Evaluation in the Clinical Management of Concussion

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2016 May;27(2):475-86. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2015.12.001. Epub 2016 Feb 22.

Authors

Amy K Connery¹, Robin L Peterson², David A Baker², Christopher Randolph³, Michael W Kirkwood²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA. Electronic address: amy.connery@childrenscolorado.org.
² Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
³ Department of Neurology, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S, First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.

PMID: 27154857
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2015.12.001

Abstract

Most people are expected to recover quickly and completely after sustaining a single, uncomplicated concussion. When unexpected difficulties are apparent or recovery is not progressing as expected, a neuropsychological evaluation may help to clarify the injury and noninjury variables that could be serving to prolong recovery. Interventions tailored to the needs of a specific patient can then be implemented to assist in improving functioning and minimizing distress.

Keywords: Mild TBI; Neuropsychological assessment; Postconcussion syndrome; Traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Brain Concussion / diagnosis*
Brain Concussion / physiopathology
Humans
Neuropsychological Tests*
Post-Concussion Syndrome / diagnosis*
Post-Concussion Syndrome / physiopathology