Assessment of executive functioning in brain injury: Collaboration between speech-language pathology and neuropsychology for an integrative neuropsychological perspective

Abstract

Background: Executive functioning (EF) deficits are common sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI). These deficits extend beyond the acute stages of recovery and pose a significant challenge in rehabilitation efforts. Current theories of EF propose a multidimensional construct. This paper provides an integrative theoretical framework with interactive dimensions for the assessment and treatment of EF that can assist the interdisciplinary team to successfully manage EF deficits secondary to TBI.Methods: This paper is a review of pertinent literature related to assessment of EF. It concludes with a case presentation that illustrates the utility of the proposed theoretical framework in the rehabilitation context.Conclusions: Formal neuropsychological, standardized psychometric measures and informal clinical observations, particularly as they relate to contextual assessment, should be incorporated in order to effectively assess EF difficulties in survivors of TBI. The paper concludes with recommendations for effective assessment and treatment of EF by the interdisciplinary team consisting of speech-language pathologists and neuropsychologists.