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You've had a concussion; how to know if you need speech therapy

concussion; brain injury; how speech therapy helps concussion

Well, first off, what is a concussion?

  • Any period of loss of consciousness (but you don't HAVE to "black out" or "pass out")

  • Any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the incident (or amnesia)

  • Any alteration in mental state at the time of the incident (i.e. feeling dazed, experiencing confusion, being uncertain in answering simple questions, having decreased clear thinking, and not being able to describe what happened before or after injury)




What to do if you have some of these symptoms 👆

  • Allow your body to briefly rest (for 24-48 hours) from everyday activities and then gradually return to activities of daily living and physical activities

    • Avoid screens for this time if you can

    • Lights (including sunlight) may bother your eyes, but DO NOT "cocoon" in a room. You may need to wear sunglasses for a brief amount of time.

  • If symptoms are persisting, make an appointment with a neurologist

    • Request an order for physical therapy for dizziness/nausea/vomiting-type symptoms

    • Request an order for speech therapy for thinking skills


Typical Recovery

  • Symptoms typically resolve within 7-10 days for an adult and up to 4 weeks in children

    • Headaches tend to persist longer than other symptoms


Now, how do you know if you need speech therapy?


You're noticing difficulty with attention like...

  • Difficulty concentrating or paying attention

  • Trouble multitasking or doing two things at once

  • Forgetting what you were saying in the middle of talking


You're noticing difficulty with memory like...

  • Forgetting information/a story was relayed

  • Forgetting to provide important information

  • Forgetting names of familiar people


You're noticing difficulty with executive functioning like...

  • Problems initiating, planning or organizing tasks

  • Difficulty/slowed processing of information

  • Problems managing time effectively

  • Lack of awareness of cognitive deficits

  • Blurting out because they‘re worried about forgetting what they want to say

  • Inappropriate comments for time/place


You're noticing your brain is tired by the end of the day (or cognitive fatigue).


You're noticing conversations and people are moving quickly and you're having trouble keeping up.


You're having trouble finding your words.


If you nodded your head "yes" to any of these, we can help!






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