Malingered Second-Language Deficit Subsequent to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Malingered speech-language deficit is an under-investigated area, and few cases have been reported in the literature. We present two litigant patients who claim a loss of ability in speaking and understanding a second language in order to obtain financial compensation. A determination of definite primary malingered neurocognitive dysfunction was made on the basis of the evidence of an exaggerated cognitive impairment in relation to neuroradiological alterations and poor performance on tests sensitive to noncredible performance. These elements led us to consider the loss of second language to be noncredible. Clinical and forensic examiners should consider the possibility that non-native-language speakers can stage a language communication disorder limited to their second language to gain financial compensation.

Keywords:

• malingering
• second language
• mild brain injury

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We thank Dr. Veronica Lopez for help in testing Mr. X in his mother tongue, Spanish.