These are the diagnostic criteria of Major Neurocognitive Disability Due to Traumatic Head Injury (TBI).
- Evidence of an important TBI. The medical history and physical examination as well as neuroimaging must show that there has been a serious TBI.
- The development of a significant mental decline is required. This can be proven by neuropsychological and clinical testing.
- It is important that the cognitive deficits are severe enough to affect daily life activities. This includes work, self-care, and social interactions.
- Cognitive deficits can’t be explained better by other mental disorders, like schizophrenia or major depression.
- Cognitive deficits can’t be due to normal ageing: These deficits in cognition cannot be attributable to normal ageing.
- Cognitive deficits continue beyond acute post injury period. The cognitive deficits are persistent beyond acute post injury period. This is the period of the first couple weeks following the injury.
In general, the diagnosis Major Neurocognitive disorder due to TBI must include evidence of an important TBI, significant cognitive decline, and cognitive impairments severe enough that they interfere with day-to-day activities. These cognitive impairments can’t be explained by another mental illness or as a result of normal aging. And they continue beyond the acute period following injury.