Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (mTBI)

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are categorized into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild TBIs, commonly known as concussions, are the most frequent form of brain injuries. While they are often perceived as less serious, their symptoms can persist from 3 months to over a year. When symptoms extend beyond three months, the condition may develop into post-concussive syndrome.

One significant aspect to note is that standard imaging techniques, such as CT scans or MRIs, often appear normal despite the presence of a TBI. This discrepancy highlights the difference between the brain's structural form and its functional capabilities.

Moreover, individuals recovering from a TBI frequently experience psychological distress, including adjustment difficulties, depression, and anxiety. These emotional challenges are an integral part of the recovery process and require appropriate attention and care.

At Cascade Neuropsychology, we specialize in assessing mild TBIs. Our comprehensive evaluations are designed to detect even subtle cognitive impairments and provide you with a detailed understanding of your condition.

Comprehensive understanding and timely intervention are crucial in managing TBIs effectively. Recognizing the nuances of both physical and psychological impacts can significantly improve outcomes for those affected.

Below are some frequently asked questions about neuropsychological evaluations for mTBI

 

  • A neuropsychologist is a specialized psychologist who focuses on understanding the relationship between the brain and behavior. They use their expertise in psychology and neurology to assess, diagnose, and treat cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders that stem from brain dysfunction. This includes conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, dementia, stroke, and other neurological disorders.

    Neuropsychologists employ a variety of standardized tests to evaluate cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and motor skills. These assessments help in identifying the specific areas of the brain that may be affected and guide the development of personalized treatment plans. They also play a crucial role in providing recommendations for rehabilitation and strategies to improve daily functioning and quality of life.

    With their specialized knowledge, neuropsychologists are key in bridging the gap between neurology and psychology, offering comprehensive care for individuals with brain-related conditions.

  • A neuropsychological evaluation is designed to detect issues in brain function. Unlike CT or MRI scans that show the structure of the brain, neuropsychological testing focuses on how well the brain operates during specific tasks, such as memory recall.

    The specific tests administered will depend on the questions you and your doctor are aiming to address. These tests may assess various cognitive and functional areas, including:

    • Attention and Memory: Evaluating your ability to focus and retain information.

    • Reasoning and Problem-Solving: Assessing your analytical and logical thinking skills.

    • Visual-Spatial Functions: Gauging your ability to interpret visual information and spatial relationships.

    • Language Functions: Examining your language comprehension and communication skills.

    • Motor Functions: Assessing your motor skills and coordination.

    • Emotional Functioning: Understanding your emotional health and its impact on cognitive performance.

    This comprehensive evaluation provides a detailed understanding of your brain's functional capabilities, helping to guide effective treatment and care strategies.

  • At Cascade Neuropsychology, our approach to assessing mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) involves a comprehensive and multi-faceted evaluation:

    1. Clinical Interview: We begin with a detailed clinical interview to gather information about the individual's medical history, the circumstances surrounding the injury, and current symptoms. This interview may include family members or close acquaintances who can provide additional insights.

    2. Neuropsychological Testing: We conduct a series of standardized neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive functions such as memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. These tests help us detect even subtle cognitive impairments that may not be apparent through imaging.

    3. Symptom Evaluation: We assess the presence and severity of post-concussive symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and emotional changes. This evaluation helps in understanding the broader impact of the injury on the individual's daily life.

    4. Psychological Assessment: Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties are also evaluated, as they can significantly influence recovery from mTBI.

    5. Comprehensive Report and Feedback: After the assessments, the neuropsychologist scores and interprets the results, generating a detailed report that outlines the findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations. We then hold a feedback session with the individual and their family to discuss the results and provide guidance on the next steps.

    Our goal is to provide a thorough and accurate assessment to ensure that you receive the appropriate care and support needed for recovery.

  • To schedule an evaluation, have your doctor fax a referral to 360-785-2016. Alternatively, you can also complete our intake form online here.

    Please note, some insurance plans require a doctor’s referral. If your plan requires that, we will let you know.

  • The cost of a neuropsychological assessment can vary widely and largely depends on your insurance coverage. Different insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for these types of evaluations. To get an accurate estimate, it's best to contact your insurance provider and discuss your specific plan and benefits. This will help you understand any out-of-pocket costs you might incur for the assessment.

    Before you decide to schedule, we will provide you with a cost estimate based on the information we receive from your insurance provider regarding your plan. This ensures you have a clear understanding of any potential expenses upfront.

    Click here for the CPT codes and units to provide to your insurance company for a cost estimate. We will also assist with providing you a cost estimate.

  • Yes, we do provide auto accident evaluations. However, due to the specific nature of these injuries, we cannot bill insurance directly. This service requires an upfront fee. We can provide you with a superbill, which you can submit to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or other payor sources for potential reimbursement. Please note that we do not bill PIP directly.

    For more detailed information about our auto accident evaluations, including the steps involved and what you can expect, please click here.

  • Even if your mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) occurred a long time ago, it can still be beneficial to undergo an assessment. Over time, lingering or late-onset symptoms can emerge, such as cognitive difficulties, emotional challenges, or changes in behavior. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify any lasting effects and provide insights into your current cognitive functioning.

    Understanding your current brain health can guide appropriate interventions and strategies to support your well-being. When filling out our intake form, please indicate the length of time since your injury to help us tailor the assessment to your specific needs. You can find the intake form here.