top of page

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes damage to the brain that can result in speech, language, thinking, and swallowing problems. TBI’s occur following falls, car accidents, being hit by or running into an object,  sport-related and military combat injuries.

 

Many professionals are involved on the care team following a TBI. An SLP can test speech, language, and cognitive, and swallowing skills.

​

Some cognitive impairments may include: 

  • Problem solving

  • Attention

  • Memory

  • Learning new information;

  • Planning and goal setting

  • Comprehension 

  • Word finding

  • Social communication

​​

Mild TBI and Concussion

​

Symptoms persisting for days, weeks, or months after a concussion may be signs of a post-concussive syndrome (PCS). Those experiencing PCS may find the return to school or work difficult.

 

Speech therapy for PCS includes:

  • Assessing cognitive domains including attention, memory, processing speed, language

  • Identifying post-concussion symptoms

  • Education of cognitive conservation strategies

  • Utilizing environmental or behavioral strategies.

 

The aim of all treatment is to facilitate successful return to activities of daily living including school, work, and hobbies.

Services

Speech therapist writing notes during an evaluation

TBI/Concussion Evaluation

A speech-language pathologist will complete an evaluation to determine if and where impairments exists across all domains (speech, language, cognition, and swallowing). Evaluation will help to shape treatment goals.

Working at Home

TBI/Concussion Therapy

Treatment may address difficulties in:

  • speech clarity (dysarthria)

  • producing or controlling muscles of  speech muscles (apraxia of speech)

  • understanding what others say or what you read

  • problems finding the words to say what you want or need.

  • attention during daily tasks and activities

  • problem-solving, planning, and organization skills

  • social skills, including reading social cues and taking turns in conversation

  • trouble chewing, or coughing and choking when eating

Two people talking

Client and Family Education and Training

Providing family training and education is important to improve carry-over and increase independence.

bottom of page