An independent Neuropsychological Evaluation is a specialized assessment by a qualified psychologist who examines the neurocognitive and behavioural manifestations of brain injury. Through a clinical interview and a battery of neuropsychological tests, a neuropsychological evaluation explores the impact of an acquired brain injury on an individual’s neurocognitive functioning. This is a thorough examination consisting of exercises measuring effort and validity, as well as, tests measuring other variables such as cognitive abilities, intellectual functioning, language skills, visuospatial skills, attention and processing speed, executive functioning, learning and memory, and motor functions. A neuropsychological assessment is often carried out when brain injury has occurred and it is necessary to evaluate the relationship of cognitive complaints to the accident, what the resulting impairments are, if present, and the extent to which such impairment impedes the claimant’s ability to participate in pre-accident activities. Following the evaluation, the neuropsychologist will be able to determine whether there is evidence of a brain injury resulting in neurocognitive impairment, or if the cognitive complaints are likely related to emotional factors or other conditions unrelated to the incident in question.
