When Is a Post-Concussion or TBI Neuropsychological Evaluation Needed?

A post-concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) neuropsychological evaluation is essential when cognitive symptoms persist after a head injury, even when structural brain imaging (MRI/CT) appears normal. Common concerns include persistent brain fog after concussion, slowed thinking, memory problems after concussion, attention difficulties, increased frustration, or challenges returning to work, school, or athletics.

Our post-concussion and TBI evaluations provide an objective, evidence-based assessment of cognitive functioning following head injury. Dr. Davis conducts comprehensive neuropsychological testing after head injury to determine whether symptoms reflect ongoing neurologic disruption, emotional stress, sleep disruption, or persistent long-term TBI cognitive deficits.

Evaluations are available in-person in Cocoa Beach/Melbourne FL and via virtual sessions, allowing accessible care across the state, which is crucial for timely interventions.

TBI Assessment Across the Recovery Timeline: Acute vs. Chronic Phase

The purpose of the evaluation shifts depending on when the injury occurred. Our assessments are tailored to the specific needs of the recovery phase:

• Acute/Subacute Phase (Weeks 1-3): Focuses on establishing immediate functional deficits, guiding initial symptom management, and determining preliminary return-to-activity planning (e.g., initial athlete concussion evaluation).
• Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) Phase (3+ Months): Focuses on the objective nature of lingering symptoms (e.g., distinguishing processing speed after concussion from anxiety) and documenting needs for long-term accommodations or disability claims. This is the primary focus of a post concussion syndrome evaluation.

What Is Assessed During a Post-Concussion or TBI Evaluation?

The assessment goes beyond a simple screen to identify the specific cognitive mechanisms responsible for your symptoms:

• Processing Speed: The most common lingering deficit; slow processing speed is the primary driver of brain fog and mental fatigue.
• Executive Functioning: Planning, organization, cognitive flexibility, and multi-tasking, which are essential for return to work after concussion.
• Attention & Working Memory: Sustained focus and the ability to hold and manipulate information.
• Verbal & Visual Memory: Learning and recalling new information (addressing memory problems after concussion).
• Neurobehavioral Status: Comprehensive interview focused on post-concussion symptoms, emotional regulation, and pain interference.
• Symptom Validity Testing (SVT): Objective measures to ensure the validity and effort of cognitive findings for accurate clinical and legal reporting.

Why See a Neuropsychologist for Concussion or Post-Concussion Syndrome?

A Neuropsychologist specializing in TBI provides comprehensive testing that can differentiate neurologic injury effects from psychological factors (such as anxiety or PTSD), sleep disruption, or premorbid conditions. This distinction is essential for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and effective, targeted intervention.

Documentation for Legal, Work, and School Outcomes

Our objective, detailed reports are used in high-stakes settings where subjective reporting is insufficient. We provide the necessary documentation for:

• Legal Documentation: Providing objective evidence of injury-related cognitive impairment for personal injury or workers’ compensation claims (targeting legal TBI documentation).
• Workplace Accommodations: Documenting specific functional limitations to support ADA accommodations, such as reduced hours or quiet workspace, allowing for a phased return to work after concussion.
• Academic Accommodations: Securing extended time or reduced workload for students with lingering long-term TBI cognitive deficits.
• Prognosis and Treatment Planning: Guiding physicians and therapists on the necessity and focus of cognitive rehabilitation, physical therapy, or vestibular therapy.
• Symptom Validation: Objective assessment to distinguish cognitive deficits caused by the injury from those caused by co-occurring factors like pain, anxiety, or medication side effects.

Concierge-Level, Objective Neuropsychological Care

Evaluations are offered on a self-pay basis with superbill support, ensuring prompt access to specialized care without the lengthy authorization delays common with insurance. Comprehensive reports are delivered quickly for coordination with physicians, therapists, athletic trainers, and employers, and may be submitted for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Neuropsychological assessment assists clinicians in characterizing cognitive sequelae of traumatic brain injury, supporting differential diagnosis and guiding individualized intervention strategies.

For additional education on concussion and traumatic brain injury, visit the CDC Traumatic Brain Injury resources.

Schedule a Post-Concussion or TBI Neuropsychological Evaluation to obtain objective answers and a clear path forward after head injury.