Memory Types After TBI

🧠 Memory How It’s Assessed

Memory problems are one of the most common and challenging symptoms after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Evaluating memory loss involves a mix of clinical interviews, neuropsychological testing, and imaging to determine the type and extent of impairment.

Memory Types After TBI

🔹 Clinical Interviews & Assessments

• Structured Clinical Interviews → Clarify the timeline of memory issues and whether they stem from injury or psychological stress.

• Patient & Caregiver Reports → Provide context on daily memory lapses, confusion, or forgetting important details.

• Psychological Evaluation → Screens for depression or anxiety, which can worsen memory function.

🔹 Neuropsychological Testing

• Verbal Memory Tests → Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV).

• Visual Memory Tests → Assess ability to recall faces, objects, or designs.

• Working Memory Tests → Digit Span or n-back tasks to measure short-term retention and manipulation of information.

• Screening Tools → Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) provide quick checks for overall impairment.

• Clock Drawing Test (CDT) → Simple test that highlights visuospatial memory and executive function.

🔹 Imaging & Physiological Measures

• fMRI → Shows which brain areas activate (or fail to activate) during memory tasks.

• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) → Detects white matter damage that disrupts memory pathways.

• EEG → Measures abnormal brainwave activity linked to memory and attention difficulties.

🔹 The Diagnostic Process

1. Initial Exam → Neurological evaluation in ER or clinic, often paired with Glasgow Coma Scale.

2. Referrals → Ongoing issues referred to specialists in neurology or neuropsychology.

3. Comprehensive Testing → Combination of cognitive tests and imaging creates a detailed profile.

4. Differential Diagnosis → Distinguishes memory loss caused by TBI from that due to aging, PTSD, or other conditions.

📍 At TBI Center of New York, we specialize in identifying and treating memory loss after head injury. Using advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological testing, our team builds personalized treatment plans to restore function and support recovery.

📞 Call or Text Now: (347) 699-7330