Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) including Post Concussion Assessment
Bowen Hills Psychology provides neuropsychological assessments
and/or therapeutic rehabilitation and return-to-work or return-to-
sport support for adolescents and adults who may be experiencing
a range of persisting symptoms after an illness, accident, or injury
affecting the brain.
These symptoms might include cognitive symptoms (changes in thinking), such as difficulties of attention and concentration, taking longer to think, learning and memory difficulties, or executive functioning difficulties (e.g., reasoning, planning and problem solving), as well as physical (e.g., headaches, dizziness, balance problems), emotional (e.g., sadness, grief, anxiety, irritability, apathy), or behavioural symptoms (e.g., loss of motivation, impulsivity).
Our psychologists can help gain an understanding of an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning and how this may have changed post-injury to understand, appreciate and capitalise on their strengths, inform their recovery goals and treatment planning, determine whether an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for persistent post-concussion symptoms (PCS, also known as Post-Concussion Syndrome) or other neurocognitive or neuropsychological conditions, and also investigate whether symptoms may be better explained by another presentation, such as anxiety, depression, or stress.
What The Assessment Involves
The assessment process involves an intake interview with the individual and their family member or support person, behavioural observations, completion of various questionnaires about cognitive symptoms as well as mood, personality, and adaptive functioning, and direct testing of cognitive skills, including intellectual functioning, attention/concentration, information processing speed, learning and memory and/or executive functioning.
Generally, due to the nature of the persons’ symptoms or difficulties, testing is completed over a few sessions to avoid distraction and fatigue and to see their best performance. We can also offer behavioural observations outside the clinic if this is needed (e.g. home, school, sport, or work).
After testing, we provide you with a comprehensive report including recommendations for beneficial strategies, services and supports. A feedback consultation will also be scheduled to discuss the results and recommendations with the individual and/or family member or support person.
Managing ABI, PCS, or Sports-Related Concussion
Your report will include specific recommendations for understanding any changes experienced after a brain injury and managing these changes, which may include support and referral options, psychiatric or paediatric review for medication, psychological strategies to support adjustment to injury, cognitive rehabilitation, and adjustments to school, sports-participation or employment to support learning and performance.
The psychologists at Bowen Hills Psychology are trained and experienced in helping individuals understand, accept, and manage the severity of their post-injury symptoms to optimise their well-being and recovery, including timely and safe return to work, study, sports participation to reduce the risk of repeat injury or prolonged recovery.
Get In Touch Now
If you would like to have an individual assessed and/or seek treatment to help manage that individual’s persistent symptoms of ABI, get in touch with Bowen Hills Psychology on (07) 3252 7114 or email admin@bowenhillspsychology.com.au