WAIS-R pattern clusters after blunt-head injury

Abstract

Few data have existed regarding common patterns of performance on the WAIS-R after head injury. A cluster analysis was used to divide 93 WAIS-R profiles from patients with blunt-head injury on the basis of pattern of performance on the WAIS-R subtests. Six clusters of 10 or more members emerged. The Digit Span, Arithmetic, and Picture Completion subtests contributed most to the clustering process, while Verbal-Performance discrepancies played a part in the formation of five of the six clusters. Clusters from analysis of the head-injury data set were substantially more differentiated than those derived from random data. Further research is needed to cross-validate these findings. If they can be cross-validated, these common patterns of performance could prove useful in diagnosis, development of prognosis, and rehabilitative treatment, as well as in understanding brain function after blunt-head injury.