Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs due to a sudden external physical force, which causes damages to the brain. TBI is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults. TBIs have many different types which affect the brain in different ways. The damage can be focal (confined to one area of the brain) or diffuse (happens in more than one area of the brain). The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in coma or even death.
Common causes include motor vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, falls, assaults, gunshot wounds.
People Living with TBI may have difficulties with:
- Attention / Concentration
- Memory
- Processing and understanding information
- Expressive language
- Planning and organization
- Reasoning / problem-solving / judgement
- Behavior changes and impulsivity
Speech Language and Cognitive Evaluations for People living with TBI
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) have specialty training in evaluating individuals after a traumatic brain injury. a Speech-Language Pathologist, will be completed. Using this information, your SLP will identify your areas of cognitive strength and weakness and develop a tailored therapy plan to help you meet your personal goals. A person-centered approach and focus on life participation will be used to maximize your communication and function across your daily environment.
This assessment will evaluate:
- Attention
- Memory
- Executive functioning
- Language
- Visuospatial skills
Speech-Language Pathology Evaluation & Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) have specialty training in evaluating individuals after a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Most patients with these types of deficits are evaluated through the Integrative Cognitive Rehabilitation Program. For those who do not meet the ICRP inclusion criteria, an individual assessment with a Speech-Language Pathologist, will be completed. This assessment will evaluate:
- Attention
- Memory
- Executive functioning
- Language
- Visuospatial skills
Using this information, your SLP will identify your areas of cognitive strength and weakness, and develop a tailored therapy plan to help you meet your personal goals. A person-centered approach and focus on life participation will be used to maximize your communication and function across your daily environment.
Additional Information
American Speech-Language Hearing Association American Speech-Language-Hearing Association | ASHA
American Association of Neurological Surgeons Traumatic Brain Injury - AANS
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center Living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | MSKTC
Project Learn Net New York State LEARNet (Living Education and Resource Network) | BrainLine
CDC – Severe Brain Injury https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/about/severe-brain-injury-basics.html
Brain Injury Association of America – Brain Injury Guide for Families & Caregivers: https://biaia.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Mayo-Clinics-Understanding-Brain-Injury-A-Guide-for-the-Family.pdf
Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/traumatic-brain-injury/
Mayo Clinic – Understanding Brain Injury
Brain Injury Association of America – Brain Injury Guide for Families & Caregivers
Brain Injury Association of NYS: https://bianys.org/