Sports Concussion & NFL/NCAA Litigation
NSG provides concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI) care for athletes at every level, along with settlement program evaluations for former professional and collegiate players. Our neuropsychologists assess concussion recovery, guide return-to-play and return-to-work decisions, and monitor long-term cognitive health after repeated head impacts. For former NFL and NCAA players, our BAP-approved, board-certified neuropsychologists conduct evaluations under the NFL Concussion Settlement and NCAA settlement programs, with reports prepared for program administrators and counsel.
Sports Concussion and Settlement Services
- Clinical sports concussion assessment
- Return-to-play and return-to-work evaluations
- Baseline neurocognitive testing for athletes
- Long-term cognitive monitoring after repeated head impacts
- NFL Concussion Settlement pre-effective and post-effective BAP evaluations
- NFL Monetary Award Fund (MAF) evaluations
- NCAA concussion settlement evaluations
- Consultation, record review, and expert testimony for counsel
What an Evaluation Includes
A full evaluation at NSG includes three components:
- Records and Exposure History Review of medical records, imaging, play and exposure history, prior baseline or neuropsychological testing, and program documentation where applicable.
- Standardized Testing Norm-referenced neuropsychological testing appropriate to the referral question, including embedded and stand-alone performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs).
- Reports for Care, Programs, and Counsel Clear documentation supporting treatment and return decisions, settlement program requirements, and litigation where needed.
For Former Players and Counsel
To schedule a settlement evaluation or discuss a claim, call (888) 606-0086 or fax records to (346) 223-0296. Helpful materials include prior neuropsychological testing, medical records, and settlement program correspondence. Our examiners are experienced with BAP and MAF documentation requirements and program timelines.
Questions We Answer
Evaluations address questions including:
- Is recovery from this concussion on track?
- Is the athlete ready to return to play, school, or work?
- Have thinking or memory changes emerged years after playing?
- Does the player meet Settlement criteria for a qualifying diagnosis?
- What do the BAP and MAF pathways each require?
- Are reported deficits supported by validity testing?
Concussion and TBI evaluations are available at all eight NSG clinics. For general traumatic brain injury assessment outside the sports context, see TBI assessment. Call (888) 606-0086 or fax referral documentation to (346) 223-0296.
The BAP was established under the official NFL Concussion Settlement Agreement. This program provides baseline cognitive evaluation to determine whether current or former NFL football players are suffering from neurocognitive impairment. Assessments are two-fold and require testing by both a neuropsychologist and a neurologist.
BAP Exams with an NSG neuropsychologist typically include:
- Fixed battery of tests lasting up to six to eight hours
- Approx. 60-65 tests evaluating attention, memory, language, visual and spatial reasoning, processing, speech, executive functioning, and more.
- Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS)
- Attorneys representing the players may request this approx. 40-minute pre-BAP phone screening
- Our psychologists will perform a TICS to get a “snapshot” of the individual’s cognitive functioning in order to determine if full MAF/BAP testing is needed.
- Doctors may also screen for indicators of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease or overall cognitive decline. (Per the NFL Settlement, the actual BAP Exam does not allow for diagnosis of these mental health conditions.)
- A family history and expert Medical Record Review
Many retired players will not meet the established BAP impairment criteria after an initial evaluation. However, it is also important to note that this is a 60 year settlement and many retired players will complete subsequent evaluations through the MAF. In order to provide guidance to retired NFL players and their representatives, we offer an empirically derived cognitive screening assessment with brief interview specifically designed to identify optimal times for re-evaluations.
The length of testing time averages approximately six to eight hours. Testing is usually completed all in one day so you will not have to come to multiple appointments.
During testing, you may become tired or need a break. Please be sure to let the BAP Provider know if you need some time to stretch, use the restroom, have a drink of water or snacks, or if you just need a break. Please note, the BAP also requires players to complete a separate neurological evaluation with an approved provider in addition to the neuropsychological evaluation.
We recommend the following general guidelines:
- Make sure to come for your exam well-rested.
- Arrive early to allow time for finding the location and parking, and filling out required paperwork.
- Make sure you eat something before you arrive so that you are comfortable until the lunch break.
- If you wear hearing aids or eyeglasses, bring them with you.
- Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
- Bring a snack, your lunch, or money to buy lunch.
- Bring your insurance card(s) and picture ID.
- Bring medical records that are related to your current illness or injury.
- If able, bring your caregiver, close family member, or friend. Often they can provide direct, personal knowledge of your background and functional abilities. Please note that your representative lawyer (or anyone working for them) may NOT serve in this capacity.
We’re here to help.
Questions about scheduling, insurance, referrals, or what to expect? Our FAQ covers the most common ones.
Visit FAQSchedule an Evaluation
Call, fax, or email our office and our team will take it from there.
- Phone: (888) 606-0086
- Fax: (346) 223-0296
- Email: office@nsgnetwork.com