Common Symptoms After a Concussion or TBI

Symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours or days later. When symptoms persist longer than 2–6 weeks, an in-depth evaluation is recommended.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating
• Short-term memory problems
• Slowed thinking or processing speed
• Trouble multitasking
• Difficulty organizing or planning
• Mental fatigue

Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms

• Irritability or agitation
• Anxiety or panic symptoms
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Reduced stress tolerance
• Impulse control difficulty

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches or migraines
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Visual disturbances
• Light or noise sensitivity
• Sleep disruption
• Nausea or fatigue

Academic / Work-Related Difficulties

• Difficulty completing tasks
• Decreased productivity
• Increased errors
• Trouble learning or retaining new information
• Sensitivity to screens or busy environments

If these symptoms are impacting functioning, neuropsychological testing provides insight into why—and what to do next.

Types of Concussions & TBIs We Evaluate

Access Neuropsychology Northwest provides assessment for:

• Sports-related concussions (youth, collegiate, and adult athletes)
• Motor-vehicle accident injuries
• Workplace accidents or workers’ compensation cases
• Falls and blunt-force trauma
• Military-related or blast injuries
• Moderate-to-severe TBIs
• Repeated or cumulative concussions
• Persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS)
• Cases requiring diagnostic clarity or second opinions
• Baseline cognitive assessments for at-risk individuals

We collaborate with neurologists, primary care providers, rehabilitation specialists, athletic trainers, and legal teams across the region.

Our Comprehensive Concussion & TBI Evaluation Process

1. Detailed Clinical Interview

We gather information about:

• Injury mechanism and timeline
• Symptom progression
• Medical and psychiatric history
• Academic or occupational functioning
• Neurological, sleep, or pain-related concerns
• Prior concussions or TBIs
• Lifestyle and personal factors that may influence cognition

Family members or caregivers may participate to provide additional context.

2. Neuropsychological Test Battery

We use validated, evidence-based tests to assess:

Cognitive Domains

• Attention and concentration
• Processing speed
• Working memory
• Verbal and visual memory
• Executive functioning and problem-solving
• Language skills
• Visuospatial processing
• Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
• Motor skills

Psychological & Behavioral Functioning

• Mood and personality functioning
• Stress and trauma response
• Fatigue and sleep patterns

Performance & Symptom Validity Measures

Ensuring results reflect genuine, reliable cognitive effort is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Testing typically takes several hours and yields a detailed cognitive profile unique to each individual.

3. Diagnostic Interpretation

After testing, Dr. Reilly or Dr. Kearns integrates:

• Cognitive test results
• Symptom presentation
• Injury details
• Emotional and physical health variables
• Behavioral observations
• Relevant medical records or imaging

This allows us to determine:

• The presence and severity of concussion or TBI
• Whether symptoms reflect ongoing neurological disruption
• If psychological, sleep, or pain factors are contributing
• Diagnostic clarity for complex cases
• Functional implications for daily life

4. Personalized Treatment & Recovery Recommendations

We provide a clear, actionable set of recommendations tailored to each patient, which may include:

Return-to-Work / Return-to-School Planning

• Stepwise transition strategies
• Accommodations (reduced hours, workload adjustments, screen breaks, sensory modifications, isolated testing environments, provision of class or meeting notes)

Symptom Management Strategies

• Headache, sleep, or sensory sensitivity strategies
• Environmental modifications
• Cognitive pacing plans

Rehabilitation Referrals

• Physical or occupational therapy
• Vestibular therapy
• Speech-language therapy
• Vision therapy
• Behavioral health support

Lifestyle & Recovery Tools

• Fatigue management
• Stress reduction techniques
• Healthy brain habits
• Cognitive exercises

Documentation

We provide clear reports suitable for:

• Medical providers
• Schools and universities
• Employers
• Workers’ compensation
• Athletic clearance
• Legal cases

Who We Serve

Our concussion and TBI evaluations support:

• Youth athletes and collegiate athletes
• Adults recovering from accidents or workplace injuries
• Veterans and first responders
• Individuals with multiple or repeated concussions
• Patients with persistent or unclear symptoms
• Students needing academic accommodations
• Anyone seeking diagnostic clarity or a second opinion

We serve individuals across Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Bothell, Mukilteo, Marysville, Mill Creek, Seattle, and the greater Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest.

Why Choose Access Neuropsychology Northwest?

✔ Expertise in Brain Injury & Cognitive Recovery

Our evaluations are led by experienced clinical neuropsychologists specializing in concussion and TBI.

✔ Regional Leaders in Neuropsychological Assessment

We work closely with medical providers, schools, employers, and rehabilitation programs across the Pacific Northwest.

✔ Evidence-Based, Comprehensive Testing

We use the most scientifically supported assessment tools in the field.

✔ Clear Feedback & Supportive Guidance

We prioritize understandable explanations and actionable steps.

✔ Detailed Reports for Medical, Educational, and Legal Use

Our documentation is thorough, objective, and tailored to each patient’s needs.

Schedule a Concussion or TBI Evaluation in Everett, WA

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms following a concussion or traumatic brain injury, a neuropsychological evaluation can provide clarity, direction, and peace of mind.

Contact Access Neuropsychology Northwest to schedule your concussion/TBI evaluation.

Address:
3525 Colby Avenue, Suite 211
Everett, WA 98201