🧠 Stress & TBI: How It’s Assessed

Understanding stress after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) requires looking at both the neurological effects of the injury and the psychological impact. Evaluations combine interviews, testing, and imaging to paint a full picture.

Stress Relief On The Brain

🔹 Clinical Interviews & Assessments

• Structured Clinical Interviews → Identify symptoms caused by TBI vs. PTSD or other conditions.

• PTSD-Specific Tools → CAPS-5 and PCL-5 measure intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and hypervigilance.

• Psychological Evaluation → Screens for anxiety, depression, mood changes, and motivation issues.

• Self-Report Measures → Questionnaires like the BDI or Neurobehavioral Functioning Inventory track symptoms over time.

🔹 Neuropsychological Testing

• Cognitive Testing → Focus, memory, executive function, and processing speed.

• Memory Evaluations → Tools like RAVLT and WMS-IV target common post-TBI memory deficits.

• Clock Drawing Test (CDT) → Simple screening for visuospatial and executive function.

• Screening Tools → MMSE and MoCA help detect overall cognitive impairment.

• fNCI Imaging → Tracks brain blood flow during cognitive tasks to find subtle dysfunctions.

🔹 Imaging & Physiological Measures

• fMRI → Real-time brain activity and blood flow during mental tasks.

• EEG → Electrical activity patterns that may reflect mental stress levels.

• Physiological Monitoring → Heart rate and breathing tracked when anxiety symptoms appear.

🔹 The Diagnostic Process

1. Initial Assessment → ER visit or first check-up often includes neurological exam & Glasgow Coma Scale.

2. Referrals → Ongoing symptoms may lead to specialists (neurologist, neuropsychologist).

3. Comprehensive Evaluation → Multiple tools combined for a holistic view of the patient.

4. Differential Diagnosis → Clinicians separate symptoms caused by brain injury from those linked to stress disorders.

📍 At TBI Center of New York, we use this multi-step process to understand how stress and TBI interact. With advanced imaging, psychological testing, and personalized treatment plans, we help patients, caregivers, and attorneys navigate both the medical and emotional sides of recovery.

📞 Call or Text Us Today

TBI Center of New YorkBrain Diagnosis TBI Scan – Diagnostic Testing NYC

X-ray • MRI • CT • PET imaging for brain, skull, and spinal cord injuries.

👉 Call or Text Now: (347) 699-7330