Written by Heather McCurdy, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS
Heather provides in home speech therapy services in Northwest IN, and virtual services for the IN residents.
You are probably surprised to know that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help after a concussion-- you're not alone!
You may ALSO be surprised to learn that a concussion is a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI).
Let's learn more about a concussion.
What can cause a mTBI?
--> Acceleration-deceleration movements (like a Motor Vehicle Accident, sports-related injury)
--> Striking the head against a hard surface (like in a motor vehicle accident, domestic abuse situation or slipping on ice)
--> Head being struck by an object (branch or piece of equipment hitting the head)
--> Blasts or explosions
How common are mTBIs?
Approximately 75% of those who sustained a traumatic brain injury have a mTBI diagnosis. Around 1.1 million people per year have a mTBI; however, this number is likely higher due to an undetermined number of people who don't seek services.
I know someone who had a concussion. Why can they function normally (unlike me)?
NO TWO BRAIN INJURIES ARE ALIKE. The brain is incredibly complex, made up of personal history, and changes daily due to different experiences. One concussion will not be same as another concussion. Other factors that can vary and impact overall prognosis include age, type of injury, where the injury occurred in the brain, level of education, and support system.
I had an MRI/ CT scan, but it showed "normal" results.
Interestingly enough, a concussion can indicate "normal" on an MRI or CT scan. This DOES NOT mean that you didn't have a concussion. MRI/CTs may be completed to rule out any brain bleeding.
I didn't lose consciousness, so I didn't have a mTBI.
It is possible to avoid losing consciousness; however, a concussion may still be present. Some other symptoms consistent with a concussion diagnosis include post-traumatic amnesia for 0-1 days, sleep disturbances, light/sound, sensitivity, increased moodiness, fatigue, vision changes, headaches, and changes in balance.
What should I do if I'm having some symptoms you listed?
Limit overall activity first and foremost. Contact your primary care physician, and note the symptoms you've been experiencing.
Most people return to normal within 7-10 days after injury. However, if symptoms persist, it is highly recommended that treatment is obtained. Early intervention & management of mTBI leads to the best prognosis.
How can speech therapy help me?
Although the name is misleading, speech language pathologists (SLPs) can assist by providing compensatory strategies, environmental modifications and education related to a concussion diagnosis. If you are not able to keep up in conversations anymore, have slow/sluggish thinking, brain fog, difficulty managing your emotions, impaired judgment, impulsivity, speech therapy can help you! Speech therapy can also help with short-term memory, such as forgetting peoples' names, forgetting if you've completed a task, or misplacing items more often. You will be amazed at your brain's ability to change and recover! A SLP can help you return to your prior level of independence more quickly and troubleshoot difficulties with short-term memory, attention, information processing or executive functioning.
Helpful resources:
https://www.pinkconcussions.com/
Heather McCurdy is the owner and speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Mindful Speech Therapy. She is particularly passionate about those who sustain traumatic brain injuries and strives to provide functional, meaningful and relevant treatment.
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