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The aim of this literature review was to follow up on recommendations set forth in 1996 reviews by the Society for Nuclear Medicine Brain Imaging Council (SNMBIC) and the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (TTASAAN) regarding the use of single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). An extensive review of databases was conducted to determine studies analyzing MTBI that used SPECT as a diagnostic tool between the years of 1966 and 2000. Although only 9 studies met the established criteria, the review suggests that SPECT may be a useful tool in the detection of MTBI and in treatment planning. However, because of the lack of consensus regarding SPECT's sensitivity, it is recommended that future researchers consider the possibility of multiple subtypes of MTBI, hemodynamically different types of contusions, and the need for complementary diagnostic tools.

The growing literature on cognitive rehabilitation is increasingly demanding more evaluation related to the validity of such therapy. The current research addresses some of the criticisms of previous efficacy studies and provides support for the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation according to a specific treatment protocol employed at an outpatient rehabilitation program. Stringent subject selection criterion were utilized to maximize the validity of the statistical comparisons of selected pre- and post- rehabilitation neuropsychological test scores and cognitive level of functioning. Results supported improvement in performance on selected neuropsychological test scores and cognitive functioning following cognitive rehabilitation. Limited validating evidence for behavioral indicators of level of cognitive functioning were obtained through correlations of behavioral ratings to their corresponding neuropsychological test scores. Results suggest that traditional measures of efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation may be insensitive to the cognitive sequalae of mild head injury due, in part, to compensatory strategies invoked by the subjects.

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