New Tests Make Proving Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Tougher
An article in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology reveals that mild traumatic brain injury was evaluated using the Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB). Standard traditional batteries include the Halstead-Reitan and Luria Nebraska. The MNB contained embedded Symptom Validity Tests (SVT). These tests are given to test takers to gauge effort and malingering (faking). The MNB uses nine embedded SVTs. The results reveal that involvement in litigation correlated with failed efforts.
The purpose of this study was to identify whether poor performance on embedded SVTs also results in poor performance on other neuropsychological tests.
“Internal and add-on Symptom Validity Tests (SVTs) are quite commonly used in neuropsychological assessments to objectively evaluate diminished effort (Larrabee, 2003,2008; Meyers & Volbrecht, 2003). In fact, the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology recommends explicit evaluation of symptom validity (Heilbronner et al., 2009). In addition, The National Academy of Neuropsychology presented a position paper on the use of SVTs (Bush et al., 2005), which specifically recommends administration of at least two SVTs in an evaluation.”
In cases of mild traumatic brain injury, the study reveals that the lower the loss of consciousness, the milder the impairments. This is especially troubling to that “miserable minority” or 15% of mTBI with significant functional compromise.
I point this study out to my readers to help us all appreciate that proving a mild traumatic brain injury is tough, and a defense funded industry is making it even tougher. You absolutely need an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney to assist you with your case. Be sure your attorney reads the latest articles and studies on issues pertaining to traumatic brain injury.
