Litigation

Baseline Neuropsychological Testing to Detect Brain Damage

By Michael Kaplen

The New York Times weighed in today on the need for baseline neuropsychological testing.

Recognizing that, "brain injuries can manifest themselves in subtle, ignorable ways, like irritability and dizziness", the Times said,  "this type of sophisticated diagnostic tool is essential."

These statements are part of the Times editorial which commended the military for implementing the long overdue base line neuropsychological testing.

Here is more of what the Times had to say today:

In an act of common sense and foresight, troops deploying overseas will now undergo computerized neurological screening before they leave. The aim is to have a baseline measurement of a soldier?s brain function in case she or he is wounded. Since a battlefield injury in Afghanistan or Iraq is likely to involve a roadside bomb and a traumatized brain, anything that can improve the diagnosis and treatment of such injuries, and preserve a soldier?s mental health, is highly welcome.

Now we need to implement this same type of testing in high schools and colleges around the country so student athletes can also receive base line evaluations before they sustain a concussion or other types of brain damage.

Read the full Times editorial on neuropsychological testing.

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on July 06, 2008 (boomark / email).