The Gazette 1992

GAZETTE

SEPTEMBER 1992

Evaluation of Cognitive Disorders by

means of Neuropsychological

Assessment

In recent years, the

neuropsychological assessment has

become a critical part of the total

evaluation of a person who suffers

from head injury. Such an

assessment is, however, lengthy

(lasting from four to five hours and

occasionally longer). The assessment

has then to be analysed and

interpreted, which could take a

further three hours (i.e., a total of at

least seven hours per patient).

Neuropsychological assessment

provides an evaluation of the above

mentioned cognitive functions, as

well as an assessment of emotional

status and possible behavioural

alterations including implusivity,

decreased frustration tolerance,

impaired interpersonal

communication and social

judgement.

Findings from such an assessment,

when viewed in the light of medical

records and history (e.g., educational

background, vocational history),

allows conclusions concerning the

possible effects of head injury to be

formulated.

An accurate picture of cognitive

abilities also provides insights into

degree of impairment as well as

probable effects of impairment on

everyday functioning. Such an

evaluation can be an integral

component for directing and

monitoring rehabilitation efforts,

planning return to independence, and

establishing the existence and extent

of brain damage.

An expert comprehensive

neuropsychological assessment

carried out by a qualified

neuropsychologist can be of major

importance to brain-injured

individuals, and, of course, in

cases of litigation.

•

Dr. Martina O'Connor is a clinical

neuropsychologistwho practises in

Dublin.

Lawbrief

(Continued from page 261)

provides for related matters. Amends

and extends the

Industrial Credit

Acts, 1933 to 1990,

and for those

purposes amends section 9 of the

Bankers' Books EvidenceAct, 1879,

and section 2 of the

Bills of

Exchange Act, 1882.

Presented by the Minister for

Finance 26/6/92. Present position:

passed by both Houses of the

Oireachtas 16/7/92. Commencement

date: 23 July, 1992.

Health (Family Planning)

(Amendment) Act, 1992

(No. 20 of

1992) (With Explanatory

Memorandum as initiated)

This Act provides for an increase in

the range of outlets permitted to sell

condoms, reduces the age limit at

which persons may buy condoms,

without prescription, from 18 to 17

years, and provides for related

matters. Amends and extends the

Health (Family Planning) Act, 1979,

and amends section 62 of the Health

Act, 1947.

Presented by the Minister for Health

30/6/92. Present position: passed by

both Houses of the Oireachtas

15/7/92. Commencement date: 23

July, 1992.

Foreshore (Amendment) Act, 1992

(No. 17 of 1992) (With Explanatory

Memorandum as initiated)

This Bill provides for the better

protection and preservation of the

foreshore and the seashore by

prohibiting the removal or

disturbance of beach material (sand

etc.,) amends and extends

the

Foreshore Act, 1933.

Presented by the Minister for the

Marine 7/7/92. Present position:

passed by both Houses of the

Oireachtas 14/7/92. Commencement

date: 20 July, 1992.

Lawbrief is grateful to Ms. Margaret

Byrne, Librarian, Law Society, who

assisted in the preparation of the

material.

•

Law Society

Gazette Binders

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Price: £8.80 each

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£1.20 postage &

packing.

To order: please write

enclosing a cheque

payable to the

Incorporated Law

Society of Ireland to:

Linda Dolan

Law Society,

Blackhall Place,

Dublin 7.

Rape Crisis Centre Seeks Flag

Day Volunteers

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

Limited is holding a Flag Day on

Thursday, 1 October and Friday, 2

October, 1992 in order to raise

£150,000 to remain open for this

year. The RCC needs approximately

1,200 volunteer collectors in order to

cover all areas in Dublin City and

suburbs. Each volunteer would be

asked to collect for 2-3 hours on the

day of their choice.

If any member of the profession

would be willing to give of their

time, he or she should contact:-

Sally O'Neill,

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Limited,

70 Lower Leeson Street,

Dublin 2.

Telephone: 614911/614562

Fax: 610873.

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