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[Neuropsychological assessment in posttraumatic amnesia disorder]
V Ladera-Fernández1, M V Perea-Bartolomé
1Departamento de Psicología Básica, Psicobiología y Metodología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, España. ladera@gugu.usal.es
Introduction:
The neuropsychological evaluation of memory is an essential investigation in all patients with head injuries, since alterations occur in a high proportion of injured persons and are one of the commonest sequelae.
Objective:
To analyse aspects of the neuropsychological evaluation of memory in head injuries, and the influence of other factors on memory.
Development:
Regarding the study of memory capacity, other aspects relative to the presence or absence of posttraumatic amnesia (its characteristics and duration), lacunar-type disorders, retrograde amnesia, anterograde amnesia, ability to learn new information and the position of explicit and implicit memory should be considered. We analyze the instruments for measurement most commonly used for neuropsychological evaluation of memory in patients with head injuries, and the main batteries, tests and scales used for objective evaluation of the presence or absence of memory deficit. We review the main limitations and methodological problems presented by the tests and scales for measurement in this type of population. The instruments of measurement, except for those adapted for the detection of common alterations in head injuries often present serious problems when used to detect posttraumatic deficits.
Conclusion:
Clinically, evaluation of memory should show a profile of the patient's capacities, measure the changes in memory function over time, and predict memory function in everyday activities.