Neuropsychological assessment in traumatic brain injury.

The care of patients provided in trauma centers involves many different variables. One of the complicating factors is related to the cognitive and emotional-behavioral consequences of traumatic brain injury. Impairment in attention, memory, communication skills, or planning and problems solving may present significant impediments in the ability of the patient to participate in his or her health care. In addition, the presence of emotional consequences such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and impulsivity may interfere with the ability of the patient to interact successfully with health care personnel. The role of the neuropsychologist is to provide a clinical assessment of the relevant cognitive and emotional problems areas and make suggestions for ways of interacting with and intervening with the brain-injured patient.