Abstract

FRANCISCO, M.L. de; PORTERO, G.; ECHEBURUA, E.  and  QUEMADA, J.I.. Guide to forensic assessment of psychological impairment after traumatic brain injury. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2009, n.55, pp.37-54. ISSN 1988-611X.

In Forensic Medicine, clinical and functional assessment of sequelae after traumatic brain injury has significant medico-legal implications. The duty to compensate for the damage caused leads to the "assessment of the organic and psychological harm inflicted". Judges establish financial compensation according to the duration of the "legal periods" (time of hospitalization, time till cure or time to lesion stabilization) and the quantification of the permanent squeals. Assessment of psychological impairment (neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric) is particularly difficult due to the lack of objective and quantifiable data. The aim of this work is to facilitate the forensic assessment by proposing a clinical and functional guide that helps to standardize the evaluation of neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological squeals. A wide review of the literature has been the basis for the proposed protocol. Neuropsychological tests as well as neuropsychiatric diagnostic tools are included.

Keywords : traumatic brain injury; neuropsychological assessment; forensic evaluation; psychological sequels; traumatic brain injury.

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