F0361 Summary of Recommendations For Neuropsychological Impairment
F0361 Summary of Recommendations For Neuropsychological Impairment
F0361 Summary of Recommendations For Neuropsychological Impairment
Neuropsychological Impairment
Objective measures of neuropsychological functions such as attention, memory and executive function
are very sensitive to the effects of TBI and often affect everyday activities and social role participation.
Wilde et al. 2010
Table 1 CDE Classification by Type of TBI Study and Relevant Population for Recommended Neuropsychological
Impairment Outcome Measures.
McCauley SR, Wilde EA, Anderson VA, Bedell G, Beers SR, Campbell TF, Chapman SB, Ewing-Cobbs L,
Gerring JP, Gioia GA, Levin HS, Michaud LJ, Prasad MR, Swaine BR, Turkstra LS, Wade SL, Yeates KO.
Recommendations for the Use of Common Outcome Measures in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
Research. J Neurotrauma. 2012 March; 29: 678-705. PubMed PMID: 21644810.
Wilde EA, Whiteneck GG, Bogner J, Bushnik T, Cifu DX, Dikmen S, French L, Giacino JT, Hart T, Malec JF,
Millis SR, Novack TA, Sherer M, Tulsky DS, Vanderploeg RD, von Steinbuechel N. Recommendations for
the use of common outcome measures in traumatic brain injury research. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010
Nov;91(11):1650-1660.e17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2010.06.033]
DESCRIPTION:
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
Sleepiness Scale: Participant selects from 7 stages of alertness, from Feeling very alert, wide awake,
and energetic to Very sleepy and cannot stay awake much longer.
Mood Scale: Participant indicates on a scale of 0 to 6 the their current state for each of Vigor, Happiness,
Depression, Anger, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Restlessness with 0 as Not at all to 6 as Very Much.
Procedural reaction time: Reaction time and processing efficiency measured for 32 trials
Code substitution delayed: Number of correct response to code substitution out of 36 trials
PROCEDURE:
It takes 15-20 minutes to complete the computer-based TBI battery of the ANAM. A baseline test must
be completed before deployment and a repeat test may be completed if there is suspicion of TBI.
COMMENTS:
The tool is appropriate for military populations. It does not screen for TBI but may be used to compare
neurocognitive performance pre-deployment and post-injury.
RATIONALE:
The ANAM is currently required for use in U.S. military populations and normative data in the military
have been established.
Bleiberg J, Cernich A, Cameron K, Sun W, Peck K, Ecklund J, et al; Duration of cognitive impairment after
sports concussion. Neurosurgery 2004; 54; 1073-8.
Friedl KE, Grate SJ, Proctor SP, Ness JW, Lukey BJ, Kane RL; Army research needs for automated
neuropsychological tests; Monitoring soldier health and performance status. Arch Clin Neuropsychol
2007; 22(Suppl 1); S7-14.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, Public Law 110-181. HR 1585, Sect. 1618, 110th
Congress (2008)
Reeves DL, Winter KP, Bleiberg J, Kane RL . ANAM genogram: historical perspectives, description, and
current endeavors . Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2007 ; 22 ( Suppl. 1 ): S15 37 .
Warden DL, Bleiberg J, Cameron KL, Ecklund J, Walter J, Sparling MB, et al; Persistent prolongation of
simple reaction time in sports concussion. Neurology 2001; 57; 524-6.
DESCRIPTION:
The Beery VMI is a nonverbal assessment that tests for visual-motor deficits by having subjects copy
geometric figures. This tests the subjects gross motor, fine motor, visual, and visual-fine motor
development. The test contains normative data for children as young as 2 years and adults. There is a
short version and a full version of the test, with the short version often used for children ages 2 to 8
years.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
Standard scores (M=100, SD=15) and scaled scores (M=10, SD=3), percentiles, and age equivalents are
given.
PROCEDURE:
The test can be administered individually or to groups and is paper and pencil format. Individual
administration is recommended for the supplemental tests. The Short Format and Full Format tests each
take 1015 minutes. The supplemental Visual Perception and Motor Coordination tests take 5 minutes
each.
COMMENTS:
REFERENCES:
Beery, K., Buktenica, N., and Beery, N. (2010). Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual- Motor
Integration (Sixth ed.). Pearson Assessments: San Antonio, TX.
DESCRIPTION:
The BRIEF is assesses executive functions in children and adolescents. There are forms for parents and
teachers and a self-report form. Scores are computed for Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition, as
well as an overall Global Executive Composite score.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
T scores (M=50, SD=10), percentiles, and 90% confidence intervals are given for four developmental age
groups by gender.
PROCEDURE:
COMMENTS:
For children aged 5-18, with a self-report form available for ages 11-22 years.
RATIONALE:
The three overall indexes (General Executive Composite, Metacognition Index, Behavioral Regulation
Index) have been shown to be sensitive to TBI severity and outcome. The BRIEF was selected as a
Supplemental measure to provide an evaluation of everyday executive function and because of its
standardization on a large number of typically-developing children, thus providing age-based standard
scores. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Gioia, G., Espy, K., and Isquith, P. (2003). Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-- Preschool
Version. Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc: Odessa, FL.
Gioia, G., Isquith, P., Guy, S., and Kenworthy, L. (2000). BRIEF: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive
Function. Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc: Lutz, FL.
Guy, S., Isquith, P., and Gioia, G. (2004). Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function--Self Report
Version. Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc: Odessa, FL.
Chapman, L., Wade, S., Walz, N., Taylor, H., Stancin, T., and Yeates, K. (2010). Clinically significant
behavior problems during the initial 18 months following early childhood traumatic brain injury. Rehabil
Psychol 55(1), 48-57
Chevignard, M., Servant, V., Mariller, A., Abada, G., Pradat-Diehl, P., and Laurent-Vanner, A.(2009).
Assessment of executive functioning in children after TBI with a naturalistic open-ended task: a pilot
study. Dev Neurorehabil 12(2), 76-91.
Donders, J., DenBraber, D., and Vos, L. (2010). Construct and criterion validity of the Behaviour Rating
Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) in children referred for neuropsychological assessment after
paediatric traumatic brain injury. J Neuropsychol 4(Pt2), 197-209.
Gioia, G., and Isquith, P. (2004). Ecological assessment of executive function in traumatic brain injury.
Dev Neuropsychol 25(1-2), 135-158.
Gioia, G., Isquith, P., Kenworthy, L., and Barton, R. (2002). Profiles of everyday executive function in
acquired and developmental disorders. Child Neuropsychol 8(2), 121-137.
Gioia, G., Kenworthy, L., and Isquith, P. (2010). Executive function in the Real World: BRIEF lessons from
Mark Ylvisaker. J Head Trauma Rehabil 25(6), 433-439.
Karunanayaka, P., Holland, S., Yuan, W., Altaye, M., Jones, B., Michaud, L., Walz, N., and Wade, S. (2007).
Neural substrate differences in language networks and associated language-related behavioral
impairments in children with TBI: A preliminary fMRI investigation. NeuroRehabilitation 22(5), 355-369.
Maillard-Wermelinger, A., Yeates, K., Gerry Taylor, H., Rusin, J., Bangert, B., Dietrich, A.,Nuss, K., and
Wright, M. (2009). Mild traumatic brain injury and executive functions in school-aged children. Dev
Neurorehabil 12(5), 330-341.
Mangeot, S., Armstrong, K., Colvin, A., Yeates, K., and Taylor, H. (2002). Long-term executive function
deficits in children with traumatic brain injuries: Assessment using the behavior rating inventory of
executive function (BRIEF). Child Neuropsychol. Special Issue: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive
Function (BRIEF) 8(4), 271-284.
Merkley, T., Bigler, E., Wilde, E., McCauley, S., Hunter, J., and Levin, H. (2008). Diffuse changes in cortical
thickness in pediatric moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. J Neurotrauma 25(11), 1343-1345.
Muscara, F., Catroppa, C., and Anderson, V. (2008). The impact of injury severity on executive function
7-10 years following pediatric traumatic brain injury. Dev Neuropsychol 33(5), 623-636.
Muscara, F., Catroppa, C., and Anderson, V. (2008). Social problem-solving skills as a mediator between
executive function and long-term social outcome following paediatric traumatic brain injury. J
Neuropsychol 2, 445-461.
Nadebaum, C., Anderson, V., and Catroppa, C. (2007). Executive function outcomes following traumatic
brain injury in young children: a five year follow-up. Dev Neuropsychol 32(2), 703-728.
Power, T., Catroppa, C., Coleman, L., Ditchfield, M., and Anderson, V. (2007). Do lesion site and severity
predict deficits in attentional control after preschool traumatic brain injury (TBI)? . Brain Inj 21(3), 279-
292.
Vriezen, E., and Pigott, S. (2002). The relationship between parental report and performacebased
measures of executive function in children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Child
Neuropsychol 8(4), 296-303.
Walz, N., Cecil, K., Wade, S., and Michaud, L. (2008). Late proton magnetic resonance
spectroscopy following traumatic brain injury during early childhood: relationship with neurobehavioral
outcomes. J Neurotrauma 25(2), 94-103.
Wozniak, J., Krach, L., Ward, E., Mueller, B., Muetzel, R., Schnoebelen, S., Kiragu, A., and Lim, K. (2007).
Neurocognitive and neuroimaging correlates of pediatric traumatic brain injury: a diffusion tensor
imaging (DTI) study. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 22(5), 555-568.
DESCRIPTION
Performance measure. Six simple geometric designs repeated over 3 trials. Score based on number of
designs remembered and their location.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
Test yields a number of scores. More reliable and useful are the total score based on 3 recall trials and
delayed recall.
PROCEDURES
This is a performance based measure which requires the subject to understand what is required and
participate in the testing. It requires a functional level in the severe disability or above on the
GOS/GOSE.
RATIONALE
Has good psychometric properties, and has multiple forms. It is a legacy measure for the NIH Toolbox
Episodic Memory subdomain
REFERENCES
Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised. Psychological Assessment Resources, Lutz, Florida
DESCRIPTION:
The CVLT-C is a measure of verbal learning and delayed recall. The test can identify particular disorders
the subject may have based on they apply learning strategies. The test has good psychometric
properties and has been used in pediatric TBI, and a Spanish-language version is available. Children are
given a list and asked to recall the list after an interference task.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
A T score assesses overall performance (M=50, SD=10). Other variables are expressed as age-corrected
z scores (M = 0, SD = 1), including short delay free recall (SDFR), short delay semantically cued recall
(SDCR), long delay free recall (LDFR), long delay semantically cued recall (LDCR), and discriminability
index (DISC).
PROCEDURE:
The CVLT-C is individually administered and is 15-20 minutes long, plus a 20 minute interval in which
child completes non-verbal tasks, which is included in order to assess delayed recall.
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
Compared with the RAVLT, the CVLT-C provides a more comprehensive set of indices to allow for the
identification of disorder-specific profiles of deficits in learning strategies and processes and has a wider
age range (down to age 4 years with supplemental normative data) with a substantial degree of
validation in pediatric TBI research. McCauley et al. 2012.
REFERENCES:
Delis, D., Kramar, J., Kaplan, E., and Ober, B. (1994). California Verbal Learning Test-Children's version.
Pearson Assessments: San Antonio,
Goodman, A., Delis, D., and Mattson, S. (1999). Normative data for four-year old children on the
California Verbal Learning Test-Children's version. Clin Neuropsychol 13(3), 274- 282.
Donders, J., and Hoffman, N. (2002). Gender differences in learning and memory after pediatric
traumatic brain injury. Neuropsychology 16(4), 491-499.
Donders, J., and Minnema, M. (2004). Performance discrepancies on the California Verbal Learning Test-
-Children's Version (CVLT-C) in children with traumatic brain injury. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 10(482-8).
Hoffman, N., Donders, J., and Thompson, E. (2000). Novel learning abilities after traumatic head injury in
children. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 15(1),47-58
Mottram, L., and Donders, J. (2005). Construct validity of the California Verbal Learning Test-- Children's
Version (CVLT-C) after pediatric traumatic brain injury. Psychol Assess 17(2), 212-217.
Mottram, L., and Donders, J. (2006). Cluster subtypes on the California verbal learning testchildren's
version after pediatric traumatic brain injury. Dev Neuropsychol 30(3), 865- 883.
Roman, M., Delis, D., Willerman, L., Magulac, M., Demadura, T., de la Pena, J., Loftis, C.,
Walsh, J., and Kracun, M. (1998). Impact of pediatric traumatic brain injury on
Salorio, C., Slomine, B., Grados, M., Vasa, R., Christensen, J., and Gerring, J. (2005).
Neuroanatomic correlates of CVLT-C performance following pediatric traumatic brain injury. J Int
Neuropsychol Soc 11(6),686-696
Warschausky, S., Kay, J., Chi, P., and Donders, J. (2005). Hierarchical linear modeling of California Verbal
Learning Test--Children's Version learning curve characteristics following childhood traumatic head
injury. Neuropsychology 19(2), 193-198.
Yeates, K., Bloomenstein, E., Patterson, C., and Delis, D. (1995). Verbal learning and memory following
pediatric closed head injury. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 1, 78-89.
Rosselli, M., Ardila, A., Bateman, J., and Guzman, M. (2001). Neuropsychological test scorse, academic
performance, and developmental disorders in Spanish-speaker children. Dev Neuropsychol 20(1), 355-
373.
Wilde, E., Whiteneck, C., Bogner, J., Bushnik, T., Cifu, D., Dikmen, S., French, L., Giacino, J., Hart, T.,
Malec, J., Millis, S., Novack, T., Sherer, M., Tulsky, D., Vanderploeg, R., and von Steinbuechel, N. (2010).
Recommendations for the use of common outcome measures in traumatic brain injury research. Arch
Phys Med Rehabil 01(11), 1650-1660.
DESCRIPTION
Examinee names color patches (Condition 1); reads words that denote colors printed in black ink
(Condition 2); names the ink color in which color words are printed (Condition 3); switches back and
forth between naming dissonant ink colors and reading the conflicting words (Condition 4).
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
Scoring is expressed in terms of the number of seconds required to complete each of the 4 conditions.
Total uncorrected and total self-corrected errors are also recorded for each condition.
PROCEDURES
COMMENTS
Can be given to persons age 8 to 89. Can be used to assess a wide range of impairment but patients
should have emerged from post-traumatic amnesia.
RATIONALE
Tests like the CWIT (i.e., "Stroop" tests) have been used frequently in a wide range of patient groups
thought to have executive function deficits.
REFERENCES
Delis, D, Kaplan, E, & Kramer, J (2001). Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. San Antonio, TX: The
Psychological Corp.
DESCRIPTION:
The CPT-2 is often used to evaluate Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The test is computerized
and measures attention and response inhibition of the subject. During the test, the subject must press a
key in response to all letters but the letter X.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
T scores are given for each measure (M=50, SD=10). The confidence index given represents percent
similarity to ADHD profile.
PROCEDURE:
No specific qualifications are required for supervising the CPT-2 test, which is administered to the
subject via computer software. The test takes 14 minutes to administer.
COMMENTS:
REFERENCES:
Conners, C. (2004). Continuous Performance Test. Technical guide and software manual (Second ed.).
MultiHealth Systems: North Tonawanda, NY.
DESCRIPTION:
The CNT tests response switching with four different tasks. Each task has a different rule by which the
subject must identify colored shapes (i.e. according to its color or to its shape).
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
A cognitive flexibility index, numbers of errors and self-corrections, and response latency are scored
PROCEDURE:
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
The CNT was selected as a Supplemental measure based on its good psychometric features, its
sensitivity to TBI in children, and its availability in the public domain. The CNT has been used to study
short and long term outcomes of moderate to severe TBI in children and it has been shown to predict
social problem-solving skills. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Taylor, H., Schatsneider, C., and Rich, D. (1992). Sequelae of Haemophilus Influenzae meningitis:
Implications for the study of brain disease and development. In M. Tramontana & S. Hooper (Eds.),
Advances in clinical neuropsychology (Vol. I, pp. 50- 108). New York: Springer-Verlag.
Anderson, V., Anderson, P., Northam, E., Jacobs, R., and Mikiewicz, O. (2002). Relationships between
cognitive and behavioral measures of executive function in children with brain disease. Child
Neuropsychol 8(4), 231-240.
Muscara, F., Catroppa, C., and Anderson, V. (2008a). The impact of injury severity on executive function
7-10 years following pediatric traumatic brain injury. Dev Neuropsychol 33(5), 623-636.
DESCRIPTION
Patient is instructed by examiner to say as many words that begin with a specific letter of the alphabet
as quickly as possible during a 60-second period. Three 60-second trials are given using the letters F-A-S.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
Trained technician can administer, but neuropsychologist needs to interpret. Administration time is 5
minutes.
COMMENTS
Can be given to persons age 7 to 85. Can be used to assess a wide range of impairment but patients
should have emerged from post-traumatic amnesia.
RATIONALE
COWAT is sensitive to severity of TBI. A meta-analysis of patients with TBI found that patients with focal
frontal (but not temporal) lobe injuries were impaired on tests of phonemic fluency like COWAT.
REFERENCES
Spreen, O, & Benton, A (1977). Neurosensory Center Comprehensive Examination for Aphasia. Victoria,
BC: Neuropsychology Laboratory, University of Victoria
DESCRIPTION:
The D-KEFS TM is based on the original Trail Making Test, and includes several timed tasks where the
test-taker employs visuomotor skills to connect a circle.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
Completion times are reported as raw scores and scaled scores (M=10, SD=3). Error analyses are
reported as raw scores and cumulative % rank.
PROCEDURE:
The test takes around 5-10 minutes to administer. Individuals qualified to use the instrument would
have a doctorate in psychology, education, or a related field.
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
Trail Making tests have been shown to be sensitive to TBI in children. The D-KEFS TM was selected as a
supplementary test because it has been standardized on 1,750 typically developing children 8-19 years
old, allowing comparison with D-KEFS Verbal Fluency and providing age-based percentile scores.
McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Delis, D., Kaplan, E., and Kramar, J. (2001). Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. Pearson Assessment:
San Antonio, TX.
DESCRIPTION:
The D-KEFS VF is an executive function test with three conditions: phonemic fluency (child must name
words beginning with a certain letter), semantic fluency (child must name words that fall into certain
categories), and semantic switching. There are alternate forms for verbal fluency.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
PROCEDURE:
The D-KEFS is individually administered in a game-like format. The Verbal Fluency Test is one of nine
subtests which in their entirety take 90 minutes to complete. Test is to be used only by individuals with a
doctorate in psychology, education, or related field. Administrator must be comfortable scoring and
timing simultaneously.
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
The D-KEFS VF was selected because verbal fluency has been shown to be sensitive to TBI severity
and to focal left frontal lesions and because all of the D-KEFS tests were standardized on normative data
for 1,750 typically developing children. The integration of verbal fluency with semantic fluency and
the switching condition also potentially enhances the usefulness of the D-KEFS VF as a measure of
executive function. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Delis, D., Kaplan, E., and Kramar, J. (2001). Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. Pearson Assessment:
San Antonio, TX.
Levin, H., Song, J., Ewing-Cobbs, L., Chapman, J., and Mendelsohn, D. (2001). Word fluency in relation to
severity of closed head injury, associated frontal brain lesions, and age injury in children.
Neuropsychologia 39(2), 122-131.
Strong, C., Tiesma, D., and Donders, J. (2010). Criterion Validity of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function
System (D-KEFS) Fluency Subtests after traumatic brain injury. J Int Neuropsychol Soc, 1-8
Ziviani, J., Ottenbacher, K., Shephard, K., Foreman, S., Astbury, W., and Ireland, P. (2001). Concurrent
validity of the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) and the Pediatric Evaluation of
Disabilities Inventory in children with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. Phys Occup
Ther Pediatr 21(2-3), 91-101.
DESCRIPTION:
The Eriksen Flanker Test is a computer-based test. Arrow stimuli appear on the screen and either appear
alone or are flanked by arrows that either point in the same direction or the opposite direction to the
target arrow. Response inhibition is compared between the two test conditions.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
PROCEDURE:
COMMENTS:
The Eriksen Flanker task has not been normed to any specific ages.
REFERENCES:
Eriksen, B., and Eriksen, C. (1974). Effects of noise letters upon identification of a target letter in a
nonsearch task. Percept Psychophys 16, 143-149.
Levin, H., Hanten, G., Zhang, L., Swank, P., and Hunter, J. (2004). Selective impairment of inhibition after
TBI in children. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 26(5), 589-597.
DESCRIPTION:
The S- FAVRES measures a childs reasoning skills by presenting him/her with everyday scenarios that
the child must respond to orally or in writing. Standard scores and the following subscale scores are
computed: 1) getting the facts; 2) eliminating irrelevant material; 3) weighing facts; 4) flexibility; 5)
predicting consequences; and 6) a total reasoning score.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
Time to complete, accuracy of solution (0-5), and quality of rationale (0-5) provided are measured on
each the S-FAVRES tasks. Total test scores for time, accuracy, and reasons are calculated as the sum of
each of the four subtests. Normative data for the adult version are available for comparison with the
subject's score.
PROCEDURE:
The test is individually administered and subjects note their responses in response booklets. Takes
approximately 60 minutes to complete.
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
The FAVRES is sensitive to impairments in high-functioning individuals. The adult version of the FAVRES
has been shown to discriminate well those with TBI from typically-developing individuals and also has
been validated in relation to return to work. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
MacDonald S. Functional Assessment of Verbal Reasoning and Executive Strategies. Guelph, Canada:
Clinical Publishing; 1998
DESCRIPTION
Timed placement of 25 pegs with the dominant hand followed by the non-dominant hand
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
PROCEDURES
Requires hand use and visual acuity. Minimal training required. Administration time is 10 minutes
maximum.
COMMENTS
Adults 20-85
RATIONALE
The GPT is a widely used test of fine motor skill that has proven sensitive to the effects of TBI
REFERENCES
Heaton, R.K., Miller, S.W., Taylor, M.J., Grant, I. (2004) Revised Comprehensive Norms for an Expanded
Halstead-Reitan Battery: Demographically Adjusted Neuropsychological Norms for African American and
Caucasian Adults Profession Manual. Lutx, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources
DESCRIPTION
Validation version contains 8 new tests designed to measure unique domains of cognitive functioning
(Episodic Memory, Reading, Vocabulary, Processing Speed, Working Memory, Executive Function, and
Attention).
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
The battery is administered on a touchscreen computer with the assistance of a technician. Technician
will read instructions and administer items. Touch screen computer will record responses and computer
scored. Administration time for the cognitive domain = < 30 minutes).
COMMENTS
The battery is designed to be used with ages 3 to 85. Should be able to examine broad range of function
but functional level of at least severe disability on the GOS/GOSE would be needed. Has not been
validated in TBI yet.
RATIONALE
Designed as part of the NIH Blueprint initiative for use in NIH research involving large epidemiological
studies and clinical trials. The battery will examine various cognitive constructs, will be at nominal cost
and will take no more than 30 minutes to complete. Will be both in English and Spanish. Large
standardization is being planned.
REFERENCES
The NIH Toolbox Instrument Page Principal Investigator: Richard Gershon PhD e-mail:
[email protected]
DESCRIPTION
Performance measure. 15 unrelated words repeated 5 times with recall after each presentation. Task
includes immediate recall and delayed recall and recognition
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
Test yields a number of scores. More reliable and useful are the total score based on 5 recall trials and
delayed recall.
PROCEDURES
This is a performance based measure which requires the subject to understand what is required and
participate in the testing. It requires a functional level in the severe disability or above on the
GOS/GOSE.
RATIONALE
This measure has good psychometric properties, is widely used, translated into multiple languages, has
multiple forms, and is in the public domain. It is a legacy measure for the NIH Toolbox Episodic Memory
subdomain.
REFERENCES
Strauss E, Sherman E, Spreen O (2006). Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. In Compendium of
Neuropsychological Tests (3rd Edition) Oxford University Press.776-807.
DESCRIPTION
The Symbol Digit Modalities Test is a measure of divided attention, visual scanning and motor speed.
This measure involves a coding key consisting of 9 abstract symbols, each paired with a number ranging
from 1 to 9. The subject is required to scan the key and write down the number corresponding to each
symbol as fast as possible. The number of correct substitution within 90 seconds is recorded. In the
written version of the test the subject fills in the numbers that correspond to the symbols. In the oral
version the examiner records the numbers spoken by the subject.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
PROCEDURE
Trained examiners. A written or oral version of the test may be administered. Test can be completed in
under 5 minutes.
COMMENTS
This measure can be used in ages 8 to 91. It can be used in broad spectrum of TBI severity and type of
injuries as long as the subject is sufficiently functional to be testable.
RATIONALE
This measure takes less than 5 minutes to administer (using both the verbal and written versions), has
been extensively studied, has very good psychometric properties, and is sensitive to various neurological
conditions of the brain
REFERENCES
Smith A. (1991). Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Los Angeles,CA: Western Psychological services.
Strauss, E., Sherman, E. M. S., & Spreen, O. (2006). A compendium of neuropsychological tests:
Administration, norms, and commentary. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.
DESCRIPTION:
Nine tasks using everyday materials measure attention in the TEA-Ch. Scores for focused (selective)
attention, sustained attention, and attention switching can be computed.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
Standardized scores (M = 10; SD = 3) and percentile ranks are given for each subtest.
PROCEDURE:
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
This measure has been shown to be sensitive to children with severe TBI. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Manly, T., Robertson, I., Anderson, V., and Nimmo-Smith, I. (1999). TEA-Ch: The Test of Everyday
Attention for Children. Thames Valley Test Company: Bury St. Edmunds, England.
DESCRIPTION:
The TEC includes an n-back paradigm testing working memory load and a go/no-go task to test executive
control. The measure is computer-administered.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
PROCEDURE:
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
The TEC was standardized on a large and representative sample and has demonstrated reliability and
concurrent validity with clinical populations including those with mild TBI. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Isquith, P., Roth, R., and Gioia, G. (2010). Tasks of Executive Control (TEC). Psychological Assessment
Resources, Inc: Odessa, FL.
DESCRIPTION:
The TOMAL-2 tests learning abilities related to verbal memory, nonverbal memory, composite memory.
Additional indices may be computed for 1) verbal delayed recall, 2) learning, 3) attention and
concentration, 4) sequential memory, 5) free recall, and 6) associate recall. The test has extensive
validation and normative data.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
Scaled scores for subtests have M = 10, SD = 3. Composite scores and indexes are M = 100, SD = 15.
PROCEDURE:
The three core indices can be completed in about 30 minutes; with the supplemental battery, testing
time increases to 1 hour. Examiners should have formal training in administering standardized
assessments.
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
The TOMAL-2 and its predecessor have been found to be useful in studies of pediatric TBI. McCauley
et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Reynolds, C., and Voress, J. (2007). Test of Memory and Learning--Revised (Second ed.). Pearson
Assessments: San Antonio, TX.
Alexander, A., and Mayfield, J. (2005). Latent factor structure of the Test of Memory and Learning in a
pediatric traumatic brain injured sample: support for a general memory construct. Arch Clin
Neuropsychol 20(5), 587-598.
Lowther, J., and Mayfield, J. (2004). Memory functioning in children with traumatic brain injuries: a
TOMAL validity study. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 19(1), 105-118.
Ramsay, M., and Reynolds, C. (1995). Separate digits tests: A brief history, a literature review, and a
reexamination of the factor structure of the Test of Memory and Learning (TOMAL). Neuropsychol Rev
5(3), 151-171.
Reynolds, C., and Bigler, E. (1996). Factor structure, factor indexes, and other useful statistics for
interpretation of the Test of Memory and Learning (TOMAL). Arch Clin Neuropsychol 11(1), 29-43.
DESCRIPTION:
In the TOSL, subjects use higher-order verbal reasoning, including processing complex information
extracting abstract ideas from text. Two scores are given: one for gist-reasoning ability and a second for
fact-learning
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
Two core scores indicate the subject's ability to abstract meaning from complex information. Range
score for gist-reasoning ability is 0-28 and for fact-learning is 0-24.
PROCEDURE:
The test is individually administered. The examiner reads the text to the child and the child may follow
along on paper. The child must provide a verbal summary of the text.
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
The TOSL was selected because, although not yet published, it provides a functional measure of the
strategies a student uses to understand and encode meaning from information that is much like what is
encountered in the classroom and everyday life. The TOSL provides a measure of cognition that is not
available in typical standardized tests that rely on multiple choice answers. The validity of the TOSL as a
measure of higher order cognitive function has been established in prior studies conducted across 15
years of research in cognitive neuroscience. Moreover, gist reasoning ability as measured by the TOSL
has been associated with frontally mediated measures of executive function such as working memory,
concept abstraction, cognitive switching, and fluid reasoning. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Chapman, S. B., Gamino, J. F., and Anand, R. (in press). Higher-order strategic gist reasoning in
adolescence.
Gamino, J. F., Chapman, S. B., Hull, E. L., and Lyon, G. R. (2010). Effects of higher-order cognitive strategy
training on gist reasoning and fact-learning in adolescents. Front Psychol 1, 1-16.
DESCRIPTION
It requires the examinee to connect, by making pencil lines, 25 encircled numbers randomly arranged on
a page in proper sequence (Part A) and 25 encircled numbers and letters in alternating order (Part B).
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
Scoring is expressed in terms of the time in seconds required for completion of both parts of the test.
PROCEDURES
Trained technician can administer TMT. Neuropsychologist needs to interpret. Administration time is 5-
10 minutes.
COMMENTS
Can be given to persons age 7 to 85. Can be used to assess a wide range of impairment, but patients
should have emerged from post-traumatic amnesia.
RATIONALE
TMT is one of the most widely used and researched neuropsychological measures. It has been shown to
be sensitive to a wide range of neurocognitive deficits.
REFERENCES
Reitan, R, & Wolfson, D (1985). The Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery. Tucson, AZ:
Neuropsychology Press.
DESCRIPTION
The WASI-II is an update of the WASI, and provides a brief estimate of general intelligence and cognitive
ability for persons aged 6 to 89 years. The 2 subtest version includes the Vocabulary and Matrix
Reasoning Subtests. A full scale IQ score can be computed.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
PROCEDURE
COMMENTS
RATIONALE
Although the WASI does not have specific sensitivity to mild injury severity, it has been shown to be
sensitive to a range of neurologic conditions including moderate-to-severe TBI. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES
Wechsler, D. (1999). Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. The Psychological Corporation: New
York.
Gamino, J., Chapman, S., and Cook, L. (2009). Strategic learning in youth with traumatic brain injury:
evidence for stall in higher-order cognition. Top Lang Disord 29(3), 224-235.
Catroppa, C., and Anderson, V. (2004). Recovery and predictors of language skills two years following
pediatric traumatic brain injury. Brain Lang 88(1), 68-78.
Prigatano, G., and Gray, J. (2008a). Predictors of performance on three developmentally sensitive
neuropsychological tests in children with and without traumatic brain injury.Brain Inj 22(6), 491-500.
DESCRIPTION
Adults 16-89
RATIONALE
The Digit Span subtest is a widely used measure of auditory attention that is well-normed and sensitive
to the effects of TBI
REFERENCES
Wechsler, D. (1997) WAIS-III Administration and Scoring Manual. San Antonio, TX: The Psychological
Corporation
DESCRIPTION
This is a complex span task involving simultaneous processing. The subject is presented with a mixed list
of numbers and letters and their task is to repeat the list by saying the numbers first in ascending order
and then the letters in alphabetical order.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
Performance on this measure is converted to scaled scores with a mean of 10 and standard deviation of
3. The scaled score is adjusted for age.
PROCEDURES
This is a performance based measure which requires the subject to understand what is required and
participate in the testing. It requires a functional level in the severe disability or above on the
GOS/GOSE.
RATIONALE
Highest factor analytic loading on Working Memory factor. Good psychometric properties and sensitivity
to severity of TBI. Legacy measure for the NIH Toolbox Working Memory Subdomain.
REFERENCES
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III. Letter-Number Sequencing Subtest. Pearson Education Inc, San
Antonio, Texas.
DESCRIPTION
This index is based on 2 subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. For Digit Symbol, examinee
must accurately fill in symbols, according to matched number-symbol pairs in a key in 120 seconds. For
Symbol Search, examinee determines whether either of two target symbols match any of the symbols in
a search group; examinee must respond to as many items as able in 120 seconds.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
The 2 subtests yield scaled scores adjusted for age with a mean of 10 and standard deviation of 3. The
WAIS PS Index is based on the 2 subtests with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15 adjusted for
age.
PROCEDURES
Good psychometric properties. Sensitive to TBI and its severity. Legacy measure for NIH Toolbox
Processing Speed Subdomain.
REFERENCES
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III/IV. Processing Speed Index. Pearson Education Inc, San Antonio,
Texas.
DESCRIPTION:
The WRAML-2 measures verbal and visual learning abilities, including verbal memory; visual memory;
attention and concentration; and working memory. It assess both immediate and delayed memory.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
Standard scores for the entire index (M=100, SD=15) and subtests (M=10, SD=3) and percentile ranks by
age.
PROCEDURE:
The core battery takes under 1 hour and the Memory Screening Form takes 10-15 minutes.
COMMENTS:
RATIONALE:
The WRAML-2 and its predecessor have excellent psychometric properties and have been found to be
useful in studies of pediatric TBI. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Sheslow, D., and Adams, W. (2003). Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning--Revised
(WRAML-2). Administration and Technical Manual. Wide Range, Inc: Wilmington, DE.
Donders, J., and Hoffman, N. (2002). Gender differences in learning and memory after pediatric
traumatic brain injury. Neuropsychology 16(4), 491-499.
Farmer, J., Haut, J., Williams, J., Kapila, C., Johnstone, B., and Kirk, K. (1999). Comprehensive assessment
of memory functioning following traumatic brain injury in children. Dev Neuropsychol 15(2), 269-289.
Williams, J., and Haut, J. (1995). Differential performances on the WRAML in children and adolescents
diagnosed with epilepsy, head injury and substance abuse. Dev Neuropsychol 11(2), 201-213.
Woodward, H., and Donders, J. (1998). The performance of children with traumatic head injury on the
Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning--Screening. Appl Neuropsychol 5(3), 113-119.
DESCRIPTION:
The Wechsler Block Design subtest measures a subjects ability to synthesize abstract visual information.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
The Block Design subtest is part of the assessment for performance IQ, which yields an IQ between 40
and 160 (M=100, SD=15).
PROCEDURE:
The tests are individually administered and completed by paper-and-pencil. Individuals qualified to use
the instrument would have a doctorate in psychology, education, or a related field.
COMMENTS:
Children 2:6 to 7:3 can complete the WPPSI-III and children 6-16 can complete the WISC-IV.
REFERENCES:
Wechsler, D. (2002). Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Inteligence, 3rd edition administration
manual. Pearson Assessments: San Antonio, TX.
Wechsler, D. (2003a). WISC-IV administration manual. Pearson Assessments: San Antonio, TX.
Wechsler, D. (2003b). WISC-IV technical and interpretive manual. Pearson Assessments: San Antonio,
TX.
Prigatano, G., and Gray, J. (2008a). Predictors of performance on three developmentally sensitive
neuropsychological tests in children with and without traumatic brain injury.Brain Inj 22(6), 491-500.
Prigatano, G., Gray, J., and Gale, S. (2008b). Individual case analysis of processing speed difficulties in
children with and without traumatic brain injury. Clin Neuropsychol 22(4), 603-619.
DESCRIPTION:
The Wechsler Processing Speed Index is calculated from the Coding and Symbol Search subtests.
PERMISSIBLE VALUES:
PROCEDURE:
COMMENTS:
The WISC-IV is appropriate for children 6-16 years, and the WPPSI-III is appropriate for children 4:0-7:3
years.
RATIONALE:
The tests have extensive normative data and excellent psychometric properties. As a measure of
information processing rate, these indices from the WISC-III and WISC-IV are highly sensitive to the
effects of TBI and its severity. It has been used in different languages, cultures, and ethnic groups. The
WISC-IV Spanish version was designed to assess Spanish-speaking children in the United States and is
available from the publisher. McCauley et al. 2012
REFERENCES:
Wechsler, D. (2003a). WISC-IV administration manual. Pearson Assessments: San Antonio, TX.
Flanagan, D., and Kaufman, A. (2004). Essentials of WISC-IV assessment. John Wiley & Sons:
Hoboken, NJ.Prifitera, A., Saklofske, D., and Weiss, L. (Eds.). (2005). WISC-IV clinical use and
interpretation: Scientist-practitioner perspectives. New York: Elsevier Academic Press.
Sattler, J., and Dumont, R. (2004). Assessment of children: WISC-IV and WPPSI supplement. Jerome M.
Sattler Publisher, Inc: San Diego,CA
Wechsler, D. (2003b). WISC-IV technical and interpretive manual. Pearson Assessments: San Antonio,
TX.
Wechsler, D. (2002). Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Inteligence, 3rd edition administration
manual. Pearson Assessments: San Antonio, TX.
Allen, D., Thaler, N., Donohue, B., and Mayfield, J. (2010). WISC-IV profiles in children with traumatic
brain injury: Similarities to and differences from the WISC-III. Psychol Assess 22(1), 57-64.
Donders, J., and Janke, K. (2008). Criterion validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--
Fourth Edition after pediatric traumatic brain injury. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 14(4), 651-655.
Yeates, K., and Donders, J. (2005). The WISC-IV and neuropsychological assessment. In A. Prifitera, D.
Saklofske & L. Weiss (Eds.), WISC-IV clinical use and interpretation: Scientist-practitioner perspectives.
New York: Elsevier Academic Press.
Tremont, G., Mittenberg, W., and Miller, L. (1999). Acute intellectual effects of pediatric head trauma.
Child Neuropsychol 5, 104-114.
Wechsler, D. (2004). WISC-IV Spanish technical and interpretive manual. Pearson Assessments: San
Antonio, TX.
DESCRIPTION
Two sections: Letter Reading (15 items) and Word Reading (55 items).
PERMISSIBLE VALUES
Ages 5-95
RATIONALE
Reading recognition has been identified as a brief, but effective, measurement of academic skills and
intelligence that is not impacted by TBI in most cases
REFERENCES
Wilkinson, G.S., Robertson, G.J. (2006) Wide Range Achievement Test-4 Professional Manual. Lutz, FL:
Psychological Assessment Resources