Traumatic Brain Injuries & Concussions
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain functions. A TBI can be caused by:
- Bump or blow to the head
- Jolt of the head, causing the head and brain to move forward and back quickly
- A penetrating injury when an object goes through the skull and brain, such as a gunshot
Common causes of TBIs include:
- Motorized vehicle, pedestrian or bicycle accident
- Fall
- Assault
- Gunshot wound
A TBI can result in changes or deficits in:
- Attention / Concentration
- Memory
- Processing and understanding information
- Expressive language
- Planning and organization
- Reasoning / problem-solving / judgement
- Behavior changes and impulsivity
What is a concussion or mild TBI?
A concussion is a less severe form of a traumatic brain injury, and is typically non-life threatening. Symptoms of a concussion include:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Changes in vision
- Dizziness
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling “in a fog”
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Loss of smell or taste
- Difficulty sleeping
Recovery from a concussion usually takes days to weeks. Factors that may delay recover from a concussion include:
- Previous history of a brain injury or concussion
- Neurological disorder
- Mental health disorder
- Learning problems
- Family and social stress
Common causes of concussions include:
- Sports related injuries
- Falls
- Motorized vehicle, pedestrian or bicycle accident
- Combat injuries
- Assault / abuse
When concussion symptoms last beyond 3 months, an individual may be diagnosed with post-concussive syndrome (PCS). PCS is rare after one concussion, but more likely to occur after multiple head injuries. Individuals with PCS may experience ongoing dizziness, headaches and problems concentrating.
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 Association of Neurological Surgeons
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
CDC - Concussion
CDC – Severe Brain Injury
Shepard Center – mTBI & Concussion
Brainline – People with Brain Injury
Facts About Brain Injury & Concussion
Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/traumatic-brain-injury/
Mayo Clinic – Understanding Brain Injury: https://biaia.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Mayo-Clinics-Understanding-Brain-Injury-A-Guide-for-the-Family.pdf
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
Brain Injury Association of NYS: https://bianys.org/
Brain Injury Association of America – Concussion / mTBI: https://www.biausa.org/brain-injury/about-brain-injury/concussion-mtbi
Video Links
Heads Up Recovery From Concussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNXjCuXyYSg
Concussion Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment – The Red Cross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K88n8m4eJwM