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Programs & Services

Neurocognitive Evaluation and Rehabilitation Clinic

Image for the traumatic brain injury assessment centre

Who We Are

The Neurocognitive Evaluation and Rehabilitation (NEAR) Clinic was established in 1994 to provide impartial, expert assessment of motor vehicle accident claimants with suspected or identified traumatic musculoskeletal or brain injuries. We offer independent examinations, medical-legal assessments (single or multidisciplinary) and neuropsychological assessments utilizing experienced, credentialed professionals from a wide variety of specialties.

Our experienced professionals uphold the mission, philosophy and core values of St. Michael's Hospital, and treat all clients with respect, compassion and dignity while maintaining our commitment to quality, objectivity and professionalism.

At NEAR, we provide a comprehensive response to questions about suspected musculoskeletal and brain injury, rehabilitation needs and residual deficits following traumatic musculoskeletal or brain injury.

We offer efficient service and quick turnaround:

  • Cost estimates provided within three business days of receipt of your referral.
  • Timely scheduling of all authorized assessments.
  • Clear, concise, impartial and objective reports are provided within 10-14 business days upon completion of assessment.

What We Do

  • independent /insurer’s examinations
  • rehabilitation assessments/rehabilitation planning
  • medical-legal assessments
  • neuropsychological evaluations
  • medical/rehabilitation designated assessment centre assessments (for those cases where this service is still required/warranted)

Assessments are tailored to address specific questions by the insurers, lawyers, disability planners or case managers.

How We Can Help

We offer a range of diagnostic services for independent examination, medical/legal and medical/rehabilitation assessments:

  • Review (direct or paper) of medical/therapy reports and other background information.
  • Assessment of physical symptoms.
  • Evaluation of reasoning, memory, and other cognitive functions.
  • Examination of speech and communication abilities.
  • Individual and family assessment.
  • Psychosocial assessment.
  • Vocational assessment.
  • Home, school and workplace modification assessments.

Brain Injury Facts

A brain injury is caused by a force or blow to the head and can result in disruption of normal brain function.

The following criteria may help you determine whether or not your client may have a brain injury.

  • An accident that involved your client losing consciousness or a period of being dazed.
  • No loss of consciousness or period of being dazed, but your client reports a lack of memory of the accident and events surrounding it.
  • The following symptoms may be present:
    • thinking (cognitive): memory problems, poor concentration, difficulty problem solving
    • social: "not the same person", hard to get along with, less responsive/withdrawn
    • communication: difficulty following conversations, expresses self poorly
    • physical: poor balance, headaches, dizziness and fatigue
    • emotional: irritability, impatience, short temper, unable to tolerate noise

This is a representation of some of the symptoms that may occur and is not a comprehensive listing. Some or all of the symptoms may be present in any one individual.