[Diagnostic decision tree for the correct use of neuropsychological evaluation in head injury].
OBJECTIVE
We present a diagnostic decision tree for the correct use of neuropsychological evaluation techniques in head injury. Our aim is to avoid extensive, intensive use of unnecessary tests and measurements or lapses into diagnostic error which often accompany cognitive dysfunction when 'superficial' 'undirected' studies are done.


METHODS
It is essential to select the neuropsychological, neuroconductal and psychosocial evaluation tests which are most suitable in each case and establish a reliable diagnosis of the functional, cognitive, emotional and psychosocial conditions of the patient. The decision tree for neuropsychological evaluation is a guide to assist professionals so that they may adequately examine the functional changes which can occur as a consequence of traumatic brain damage, adapted to each point in its evolution and taking into account factors which may influence neuropsychological evaluation.


CONCLUSIONS
The evaluation of consequences of trauma includes evaluation of the gravity of the head injury, and the neuropsychological, neuroconductal and functional evaluation of the patient.
Departamento de Psicología Básica, Psicobiología y Metodología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, España. vperea@gugu.usal.es
M V
MV
Perea
V
V
Ladera
A
A
Blanco
F
F
Morales
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D003663:Decision Trees; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012917:Social Adjustment
Arbol de decisión diagnóstica para la correcta utilización de las técnicas de evaluación neuropsicológica en el traumatismo craneoencefálico.