Citation

Larrabee GJ, Rohling ML. Behav. Sci. Law 2013; 31(6): 686-701.

Affiliation

Independent Practice, 2650 Bahia Vista Street, Suite 308, Sarasota, FL, 34239, U.S.A.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/bsl.2087

PMID

24105915

Abstract

The diagnosis and evaluation of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is reviewed from the perspective of meta-analyses of neuropsychological outcome, showing full recovery from a single, uncomplicated mTBI by 90 days post-trauma. Persons with history of complicated mTBI characterized by day-of-injury computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, and those who have suffered prior mTBIs may or may not show evidence of complete recovery similar to that experienced by persons suffering a single, uncomplicated mTBI. Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is considered as a somatoform presentation, influenced by the non-specificity of PCS symptoms which commonly occur in non-TBI samples and co-vary as a function of general life stress, and psychological factors including symptom expectation, depression and anxiety. A model is presented for forensic evaluation of the individual mTBI case, which involves open-ended interview, followed by structured interview, record review, and detailed neuropsychological testing. Differential diagnosis includes consideration of other neurologic and psychiatric disorders, symptom expectation, diagnosis threat, developmental disorders, and malingering. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Language: en