speech therapy exercises for tbi

Speech Therapy Activities for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

by Niagara Therapy, LLC | May 17, 2022

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired brain injury that is the result of an external physical force to the head or other way of dislodgement of the brain. There can be focal damage in an open head injury, such as a gunshot wound, or diffused damage in a closed head injury, such as a concussion. Although TBIs can affect people in any age group, adolescents (15-19 years old) and the elderly (65+ years old) are most likely to be affected. Males are more likely than females to suffer TBIs across all age groups.  

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Some possible causes of TBIs are:  

• Falls: Falls can occur anywhere at any time. Falls in the bath or shower and on the stairs are extremely common in young children and older adults.  
• T raffic Collisions: Collisions can affect both motor vehicle passengers and pedestrians. Motor vehicle accidents are a large contributor to TBIs.  
• Sports-related injuries: High impact or extreme sports have become more common and are another cause of increased TBIs.
• Common sports with high levels of TBIs are football, boxing, hockey, lacrosse, and soccer.  
• Violence: Violence including child abuse, shaken baby syndrome, gunshot wounds, domestic violence, and assault can all lead to TBIs.  o Explosions and combat injuries: Military personnel is exposed to blasts and combat injuries such as falling debris and shrapnel that can lead to TBI.  

Progression of Traumatic Brain Injuries 

• Directly after the injury, the result is usually some type of loss of consciousness. The severity can be anywhere from losing consciousness for a few moments to a coma lasting years. The longer the coma, the more severe the injury and the greater the chance of permanent cognitive damage. 
• After awakening from the coma, post-traumatic amnesia occurs. This is a state of severe confusion. Symptoms include blank stares, difficulty performing simple tasks, distractibility, and memory issues. There are also uncharacteristic behavioral changes. The patient is typically unaware of these impairments. 
• Patients then begin retaining information, entering the recovery stage. This can last anywhere from weeks to years, depending on which areas of the brain are affected and the severity of the damage. This is characterized by improving cognitive and behavioral functions. This usually occurs rapidly at first, but then slows until the recovery stabilizes. 

Neuropathology

• When the brain is subjected to trauma, it goes into a violent swirling motion. As a result, the motion stretches axons, tears blood vessels, and inflicts damage to the surface of the brain from bouncing against the bony ridges of the skull. 

Signs and Symptoms of TBIs 

• Physical problems involve headaches, dizziness, changes in the level of consciousness, seizures, nausea/vomiting, reduced muscle strength, and impairments in balance, movement, and/or coordination. 
• Sensory deficits depend on the areas of the brain involved. 
• Behavioral changes involve changes in emotion, agitation, anxiety, and depression. People can also experience impulsivity and reduced frustration tolerance. 
• Impairments in thinking skills can involve changes in awareness of surroundings, attention issues, reasoning and problem-solving, and executive functioning. New learning is affected by these memory deficits, however, long-term memory is usually unaffected. The patient may also seem disorganized and have trouble completing tasks. 
• Communication issues often include aphasia, or difficulty understanding and producing correct speech; dysarthria, or slurred speech from weak muscles; and/or apraxia, or trouble programming the muscles to produce speech. Some people may also have trouble with tasks in reading and writing, as well as communicating and behaving in social situations. 
• Swallowing problems, or dysphagia, can also occur. 

Signs and symptoms specific to SLP/Audiologist: 

• Lack of strength/coordination in muscles that control speech 
• Misuse of grammar and vocabulary 
• Reading and writing abilities are hindered 
• Social communication skills are hindered 
• Attention, orientation, and short-term memory skills are not in tact 
• Lack of ability to plan, organize and attend to details 
• Loudness sensitivity 
• Hearing impairments 
• Distorted hearing 
• Dizziness/vertigo 

Diagnosis of TBIs 

• TBI is diagnosed from a combination of patient reports, clinical signs and symptoms, and brain imaging studies, such as MRIs or CT scans. The medical diagnosis is made by the physician. 
• The specific problems that result from the TBI are diagnosed and managed by the interdisciplinary team, which includes doctors, nurses, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, physical and occupational therapists, and more. 

Assessment Techniques: 

Screening is conducted to determine if further assessment is necessary. A speech-language pathologist will screen for speech, language, cognitive communication, and swallowing using standardized and non-standardized procedures. An Audiologist conducts a hearing screening to determine if the earwax is impacted. Individuals thought to have communication or swallowing deficits are referred for a more comprehensive assessment. 

Assessment includes: 

• A case history that includes medical status, education, occupation, and cultural and language backgrounds. 
• Auditory, visual, motor, cognitive and emotional statuses are analyzed. 
• The systems involving speech are analyzed as well as swallowing. 
• Standardized and non-standardized methods are used and accommodations can be made to fit the individual’s culture and language. 
• The decision to use standardized or non-standardized methods is based upon the needs of the patient and the severity of the injury. 
• The individual’s areas of concern are noted and taken into consideration during assessment. 
• Assessments are conducted periodically and continually because an individual’s recovery can take several months to years. 

Prevention: 

• To help prevent head injury be sure to follow these tips: 
• Wear a seatbelt when riding in any motor vehicle and be sure that children are properly secured in car seats and booster seats in the back seat of the car.  
• Avoid driving or participating in other risky behaviors while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication that can cause impairments.  
• Wear a helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, motorcycle, or another high-speed vehicle. Also, be sure to wear protective headgear when participating in high-impact sports with the potential for brain injury.  
• Pay attention to what is going on around you. Be sure to pay attention around busy streets and areas where falls can occur such as around stairs or ladders. 

Preventing Falls in Older Adults: 

• Install and use handrails near stairs and in the bathroom  
• Use a nonslip mat in the shower to prevent slips  
• Remove loose area rugs throughout the house  
• Be sure to have appropriate lighting throughout the house and especially in bathrooms and near stairways   Keep the floors and stairs clear from debris  
• Be sure to get your vision checked regularly  

Preventing TBI in children: 

• Some ways to help prevent TBI in children are to: 
• Install safety gates near the stairs to prevent falls.  
• Keep the stairs clear and hold hands when appropriate  
• Install window guards and ensure windows are locked  
• Place nonslip mat in the bath or shower  
• Make sure there are no loose rugs in the house that could cause tripping  
• Don’t let children near fire escapes or high balconies  

Speech Therapy Following a TBI

Speech therapy following a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) entails far more than relearning how to speak. TBI can often affect a person’s speech, language, cognition, memory, and/or swallowing abilities. Depending on which area of the brain is injured and the severity of the damage, one or more skills could be affected. 

Following a TBI, communication issues often include aphasia, (i.e.,  difficulty understanding and producing correct speech); dysarthria, (i.e., slurred speech from weak muscles; lack of strength/coordination in muscles that control speech); and/or apraxia, (i.e., trouble programming the muscles to produce speech). Some people may also have trouble with reading and writing tasks, as well as communicating and behaving in social situations. Cognition (e.g., attention, reasoning/problem solving, orientation, executive functioning) and short-term memory skills are also often impacted. Swallowing difficulties (i.e., dysphagia) can also occur.

The role of speech therapy in the rehabilitation process of a person who has suffered a TBI is essential. Speech therapists can help a person who has suffered a TBI rehabilitate his/her abilities through speech therapy activities. The treatment plan for a patient who has suffered a TBI depends on his/her condition, the area of the brain affected, and the extent of brain damage. 

There are several ways that speech therapy can help a patient who has suffered a TBI in his/her recovery, including therapy for aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, improved memory skills, and social communication skills, as well as, cognitive communication skills. Speech therapists help patients who have suffered a TBI develop compensatory strategies to focus on and maximize/her remaining skills, as well as, find ways to compensate for lost skills. 

Speech therapists work with TBI patients, starting from the early stages of recovery. The goal of treatment is to gain confidence and reach the highest level of independent function for daily living. 

Early stages of recovery, such as during the coma, involve getting general responses to sensory stimulation and teaching loved ones and family members how to interact with the patient.

As the patient’s awareness increases, treatment shifts to focusing on maintaining attention, lessening confusion, and familiarizing him/her with the date, what has happened, and where he/she is (i.e., self, place, and temporal/time orientation). 

Later in the recovery process, the focus moves to memory improvement through activities and compensatory strategies, such as memory logs; learning tactics to aid in problem-solving, reasoning, and organizational skills; working on social skills in small settings; and improving the ability to self-monitor while in the hospital, at home, and in the community. 

In the end, treatment focuses on independence and functionality. Treatment can include attending outings to help the patients plan, organize, and carry out their trips using lists, organizers, and other aids. Patients put into practice what they have learned through speech therapy. Speech therapists often work closely alongside vocational rehabilitation specialists to help the patient get back to school and/or work. 

Following a TBI, some patients cannot speak clearly for an extended period. Speech therapists may recommend other ways to communicate. Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC) includes picture boards and speech generating devices that speak for you. AAC options include: 

• No-tech communication tools: gesturing/pointing to communicate
• Low-tech communication tools: using pen/paper, whiteboard, or pictures to communicate
• High-tech communication tools: using text-to-speech/communication apps, and communication devices to communicate

If an AAC tool/device is being used for communication, treatment will often focus on learning how to use the tool/device efficiently and effectively to communicate with caregivers, loved ones, and people in the community. 

If a patient has a Traumatic Brain Injury, the therapists at Niagara Therapy can help improve overall function through the services offered, including, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.  

Additional Resources: 

• http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/TBI/ 
• http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/ 
• http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm 
• http://www.asha.org/aud/articles/CurrentTBI/

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10 Cognitive Exercises to Help Recover from Traumatic Brain Injury

Every year, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) account for  about 2.8 million  emergency situations. This serious injury is more common than you might think — and the consequences can be hard to recover from.

If you or someone close to you has had a TBI, you know just how difficult the recovery can be. It may take months or even years for someone to heal. However, cognitive exercises can go a long way toward speeding up the healing process.

If you or a loved one is struggling to communicate due to a TBI, it’s crucial to get the professional help you need. Click here to schedule a free introductory call with Great Speech. This way, you will know you are addressing the recovery of speech and language caused by a TBI in the most direct way possible.

Wondering which exercises are best for this unique  recovery situation ? While your doctor should point you in the right direction, we’ve also put together some great ideas for post-TBI recovery. Keep reading to learn about the best brain rehabilitation exercises to try!

Try Something New

When your brain is healing, sometimes it’s best to start slow. You might be a long way off from doing complex math problems — and that’s okay! You can start with the simple ideas and build your way up.

One great way to get started on the path to recovery is simply to try something new. This doesn’t have to be anything major, like exploring a new city or learning a new language. Instead, start even simpler.

Try a new food, or walk home using a different path than usual. Play a game you’ve never played before. Take a new exercise class.

Doing new things gives you the motivation to keep moving forward on the recovery path, even when it’s difficult. Not only that but when you have new experiences, your brain actually starts  making new neurons .

Pay Attention to Your Food

As you try new foods or even things you’ve had before, try to name specific ingredients that you taste. Start with the obvious ones, and work your way into the subtle tastes.

This will help you tap into your senses, which brings us to the next step.

Seek Out Sensory Experiences

The more of your senses you can activate at once, the more your brain gets engaged.

You can start with a single sense, like taste, as described above. But you should also start to add in experiences that invigorate multiple senses at once.

For example, try checking out the produce at your local farmer’s market. Look, touch, smell and taste the foods available. Listen to the sounds of the market.

Or you could simply take a walk outside, where nature provides stimulation for all of your senses. Pay attention to what each sense is telling you. This will help your brain forge new connections, too.

Switch Hands

If you’re right-handed, switch to your left one for a few activities each day. If you’re left-handed, do the opposite.

This helps spur activity on the other side of your brain. It also strengthens your neurons by getting them working in innovative ways.

You can also get similar effects by doing normal things backwards or upside-down. For example, try looking at your clock upside-down when you need to check the time.

Practice Memorization

As you work your way through these simple brain injury exercises, you’ll eventually be ready for more challenging tasks.

Add a new level of difficulty by practicing memorization, a little at a time. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right away — you benefit from the practice, no matter what.

For example, the next time you’re at the grocery store, try to remember a few things from your grocery list before you look at it. Work on remembering the words to a new song.

As time goes by, increase the challenge level. Try memorizing longer lists, or remembering things for longer periods of time.

If you aren’t making continual progress on your own, it’s important to seek the support of a specialized speech pathologist on our virtual team.

Our speech pathologists are trained professionals who can help you communicate with confidence and regain lost skills caused by a TBI. The first step to connecting to one of our specialized virtual speech therapists is to book a free introductory phone call by clicking here.

One great way to work on building memory to use is to draw a map using just your memory.

You might start by drawing a map of a path that you’re very familiar with, such as from your house to the grocery store. To make it more challenging, draw a map of a new route from memory after you’ve completed it.

Read Out Loud

Reading, speaking and listening all engage different parts of the brain, so this is a great way to get your brain feeling challenged.

You can read out loud to a child, a pet, or even yourself. If reading out loud poses too much of a challenge, start simply by listening to a book on tape first.

Challenge Your Motor Skills

Work on projects that require lots of fine motor skills. If you learn a new skill at the same time, you’ll double up on the brain benefits!

You can try drawing or painting, knitting, or even just putting together a puzzle. Board games with small pieces, like cribbage, can also work well.

Strengthening those hand-eye connections will help your brain heal faster — plus, you can have a lot of fun doing it.

Keep a Journal

Journaling is a great way to use your fine motor skills, memory, senses, and more all at once.

You don’t have to write about your day, like a diary. You can simply jot down all of the things you’re experiencing with your various senses. For example, try sitting outside and writing what you see, smell, hear, feel, or taste.

This exercise might feel relaxing, but it will also help improve your cognitive abilities!

Do Mental Math

As you get better at these tasks, challenge yourself by doing some mental math.

Even simple addition or subtraction is valuable. Do easy problems first, then work your way toward harder ones.

Ready to Try These Cognitive Exercises?

When you hear “cognitive exercises,” you might feel intimidated. But as this list shows, there are many ways to promote brain healing while having fun at the same time.

If you try everything on this list, you won’t only recover faster from a TBI — you might also pick up a new hobby or skill along the way.

Of course, it’s also important to support these exercises with help from professionals. Online speech therapy is another great way to support your recovery. Schedule your free introductory call with us today to get the support you need.

TBI Therapy Goals

The goal of post-acute TBI rehabilitation is to assist the patient in the process of achieving the most autonomous level of functioning conceivable. But achieving independence in communication is always one of the most important needs expressed by TBI patients.  

Speech therapy often takes place in a post-acute brain injury rehabilitation facility intended expressly for the treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury. 

This type of environment permits intensive, long-term rehabilitation by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neuropsychologists at a time when the patient can best profit from such therapy. If you’re wondering, “but… is there such a facility near me?”, then read the whole article because we share this information at the end.

There are 6 different strategies used in post-acute speech therapy in patients with TBI, depending on the level and type of their injuries, type of communication problems, or personal abilities. They can be used separately or combined.

1. Therapies for Dysarthria

A brain injury that impairs the nerves in the brain that control muscles can damage speech. A patient may slur words, or the speech sounds can be slow, too weak, or sound stifled, like a mumble. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) refers to this condition as dysarthria.

The speech therapist’s objective involves developing the patient’s speech coherence. Rehabilitation includes exercises to regulate lip and tongue coordination, increase breath support, and improve muscle power in the mouth, jaw, tongue, and throat.

2. Therapies for Aphasia

A different condition associated with brain injury is aphasia , where patients have trouble voicing sounds and syllables. They know what words they want to say, but have difficulty sequencing them. They can’t find the right words.

The speech therapist’s objective for aphasia includes exercises to slow the pace of speech and enunciate words accurately. If the condition is severe, the therapist may add a communication device to facilitate communication:

• No-tech communication tools: signaling and pointing. 
• Low-tech communication tools: pen and paper, a whiteboard or images. 
• High-tech communication tools: text-to-speech apps, communication apps, communication devices.

Learn more about aphasia from this TED-Ed video:

3. Improving Memory

Memory is very important for speech and communication. A speech therapist frequently introduces memory support to support language building skills for the brain injury patient.  

The SLP takes the time to train the patient on how to use memory aids , such as a memory log, calendar, documented schedule, or a log, to improve memory. With the help of exercises, they help the patient develop competency as well as communication.

4. Improving Social Language Skills

According to ASHA, people with TBI may need to learn from the beginning how to read nonverbal signs such as body language and facial expressions. They may equally need to learn how to react to a typical conversation.

Developing social language skills may let the patient counterbalance other speech problems they face, like understandability. Patients can learn to compensate with facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures to enhance their communication.

Speech therapists usually work with individuals in smaller groups to strengthen these social language skills.

5. Improving Cognitive Communication Skills

As part of their post-acute brain injury rehabilitation, individuals with brain injuries may find it difficult to process new information , so they will also need to acquire skills for planning and composing their thoughts. 

They need to be able to ask relevant questions, concentrate on tasks, and remember names and numbers. When completing steps to any presented task, they need to learn to recall the peculiar sequence as well as any safety precautions. A speech therapist consolidates these goals with the rehabilitation plan.

Continued Support for Brain Injury Recovery

Patients with traumatic brain injury need continuous assistance. Studies show that only 3% of TBI patients use speech therapy 10 years after the injury occurrence. The speech therapist plays one role among many crucial ones on the patient’s path to brain injury healing.

If you have any questions about speech therapy after a TBI, contact NeuLife Rehabilitation . 

NeuLife Rehabilitation –  post-acute brain injury rehabilitation facility

NeuLife Rehabilitation is one of the best TBI rehab centers with specialized catastrophic rehabilitation programs for a wide range of catastrophic injuries. 

Our programs for neuro rehab , including cognitive therapy, are customized to meet the individual needs of each patient, and care plans are structured to promote the  highest level  of functional independence and successful community reintegration. Through the skills and experience of our highly trained team of clinical experts , including speech therapists, we are able to treat a wide range of diagnoses and injuries at our brain injury facility.

If you have any more questions concerning post-acute brain injury rehabilitation or any other issue regarding brain injury, call us to make an appointment today. You can also schedule a tour to visit our best brain injury facility. 

https://www.ncmedicaljournal.com/content/ncm/76/2/105.full.pdf  

https://www.brainline.org/article/traumatic-brain-injury-cognitive-and-communication-disorders  

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

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Speech Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury: What to Expect

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can occur from a number of different causes including car accidents, slips and falls, sports injuries, and assault. While the effects of TBI can be minor or severe, all cases require some form of treatment. TBI can cause a wide range of impairments from changes in thinking and mood to difficulties with speech and language. If your loved one has suffered a TBI, you may be wondering what kind of help he or she will need for recovery and what to expect. This article will provide an overview of what TBI is, the different types of therapy and what you can expect.

In this article we will discuss:

What is Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)?

What are some common symptoms of tbi, what can cause tbi, how is tbi diagnosed, stages of recovery, types of therapy, prevention is better than cure, activities you can do at home.

TBI is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head is hit by an object or when the head hits an object. This can cause the brain to swell, bleed, or be damaged in other ways.

The brain is made up of different parts that control different functions.

When the brain is injured, these functions can be affected. For instance, if the part of the brain that controls movement may be damaged, it can cause paralysis. Or, if the part of the brain that controls speech may be damaged, it can cause problems with communication.

There are two types of TBI:

Open Head Injury

This occurs when the skull is fractured or when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. A common example of open head injury occurs in a car accident when the driver’s head hits the steering wheel or dashboard.

Closed Head Injury

This occurs when the head is hit by an object but the skull is not fractured. Common causes of closed head injury include falls, sports injuries, and assault.

People with TBI may have difficulties functioning in their daily lives. Depending on the location of the brain injury, each person will experience unique symptoms. The symptoms can be divided into four categories: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep.

Physical symptoms may include:

blurred vision

sensitivity to light and sound

Cognitive symptoms may included:

difficulty thinking clearly

difficulty concentrating

difficulty remembering things

Reduce the impact of TBI on your speech skills

Emotional symptoms may include:

irritability

mood swings

Sleep problems are common among people with TBI and can include:

sleeping more than usual

There are many causes of TBI. The most common are car accidents, falls, sports injuries, assault, and blast injuries from explosions.

If you think that you or your loved one has suffered a TBI, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. A TBI can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can vary so much from person to person and because some of the symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after the injury.

To diagnose a TBI, the doctor will ask about the circumstances of the injury and will do a physical examination. The doctor may also order some tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for signs of brain damage.

Doctors also use the Glasgow Coma Scale to measure the severity of a TBI. It ranges from 3 (severely injured) to 15 (no injury). The scale measures three things:

1. The patient’s level of consciousness, or how awake and alert the patient is

2. The patient’s ability to move his or her arms and legs

3. The patient’s ability to speak

The score is determined by adding up the points for each category. A score of 3 would indicate that the patient is in a coma, while a score of 15 would indicate that the patient has no injury. The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to help doctors determine the best treatment for a TBI.

Measuring the severity of a TBI

TBI is classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Mild TBI is also called a concussion. Symptoms of mild TBI can last for a few days or weeks and may include headaches, dizziness, and problems with thinking and memory. Most people with mild TBI recover completely.

Moderate TBI

Moderate TBI is more serious than mild TBI and can cause problems that last for months or years. Symptoms of moderate TBI may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, problems with thinking and memory, and mood swings. Some people with moderate TBI make a full recovery, but others may have long-term problems.

Severe TBI is the most serious type of TBI and can cause permanent brain damage. Symptoms of severe TBI may include coma, paralysis, and problems with thinking, memory, and mood. People with severe TBI often need lifelong care .

After a TBI, it is common for people to go through different stages of recovery. The severity of the injury will affect how long it takes to recover and what kind of problems the person may have.

The first stage of recovery is called the acute stage . This is the period immediately after the injury when the person is in the hospital. The goal during this stage is to stabilize the person and treat any life-threatening injuries.

The next stage of recovery is called the rehabilitation stage. This is when the person begins to recover function and learn new skills. Rehabilitation may last for months or years and often includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy . This may involve speech therapy in the hospital or even private speech therapy in the home or in a private practice.

The final stage of recovery is called the community reintegration stage. This is when the person goes back to work, school, or other activities and starts to live independently again.

What are the long-term effects of TBI?

The long-term effects of TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury and how well the person recovers. Some people make a full recovery, but others may have lifelong problems.

Some of the most common long-term effects of TBI include problems with:

thinking (cognition)

concentration

decision making

These problems can make it hard for people to live independently and do everyday activities such as work, school, and taking care of the house. Some people with TBI need lifelong care.

This is why it is important to seek rehabilition treatment right away after a TBI to help maximize recovery and reduce the risk of long-term problems.

There are many different types of therapy that can help people with TBI recover. During recovery, people may need physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps people with TBI regain movement and strength. Physical therapists work with patients to help them regain the ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform other daily activities.

Physical therapy may also include exercises to help people with TBI regain balance, coordination, and range of motion.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps people with TBI learn how to do everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and dressing. Occupational therapists also teach people how to use adaptive equipment that can make daily activities easier.

Occupational therapy works to help people with TBI re-enter their community and resume activities that they enjoy. These activities include hobbies, sports, and social activities.

Speech Therapy

Adult speech therapy helps people with TBI regain the ability to speak clearly and understand what others are saying. Speech therapists also help people who have trouble eating or drinking because of swallowing problems. Swallowing therapy (dysphagia treatment) might be needed in order for an individual to eat or drink safely without aspirating (choking). Swallowing speech therapy can be very beneficial to returning to some semblance of normalcy when eating and drinking with others.

Speech rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury can be a long and difficult process. However, with the help of a speech therapist, most people can regain their ability to speak clearly and understand others. Group speech therapy also exists, that can assist patients in feeling less alone as well as helping them build relationships while working towards their speech goals.

Communication disorders associated with Traumatic Brain Injury

Usually, those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) will experience some type of communication disorder. These are some of the communication disorders caused by TBI and its corresponding treatment:

Aphasia: Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to comprehend and express language. Common treatment interventions include speech-language therapy, cognitive retraining, and conversation therapy.

Apraxia: Apraxia is difficulty in initiating or coordinating muscle movement necessary for speech production. Treatment interventions include speech-language therapy and intensive practice of articulation, prosody and intonation tasks.

Dysarthria: Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder caused by muscle weakness or paralysis. Treatment interventions include speech-language therapy focusing on articulation, prosody and intonation, cognitive retraining, voice therapy and exercises to improve oral-motor coordination.

Goals of Traumatic Brain Injury Speech Therapy

The goal of speech therapy for those with a traumatic brain injury is to help the patient regain their ability to communicate effectively. This area of therapy often encompasses aspects of both speech and language . Speech therapists work with patients to improve their articulation, language comprehension, and fluency. They also work on strategies for improving communication in social situations.

Speech therapists also help people with TBI develop a vocabulary and use it appropriately. They can also provide guidance on how to use adaptive technology such as computers, tablets and voice recognition software. Additionally, speech therapists may help people with TBI develop strategies for problem solving and decision making so that they can more effectively manage their lives.

Traumatic Brain Injury Speech Therapy Goals include:

Focusing on basic communication tasks such as talking, listening, and reading aloud.

Since patients suffering from a traumatic brain injury usually have difficulty processing information, it is important to keep communication tasks simple.

Using visual aids such as picture boards or flash cards to help the patient communicate.

Visual aids can be very helpful for patients with TBI, as they can provide a way for the patient to communicate without having to rely on their memory or processing abilities.

Teaching the patient alternative communication methods such as sign language or use of a computer.

If the patient is still having difficulty communicating after trying other methods, teaching them alternative communication methods can be very beneficial.

Working on cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem solving.

Cognitive skills are often impaired after a TBI, so working on these skills can help the patient greatly in their overall recovery.

Providing support and encouragement to the patient and their family.

The road to recovery after a TBI can be long and difficult, so it is important to provide support and encouragement to the patient and their family throughout the process.

There is no sure way to prevent TBI, but there are some things that you can do to lower your risk. For example, you can:

wear a seatbelt when you are driving or riding in a car

wear a helmet when you are riding a bike, motorcycle, or ATV

wear a helmet when you are playing contact sports such as football or hockey

use safety equipment such as guardrails when you are working with tools or machinery

take steps to prevent falls, such as using a step stool instead of standing on a chair

There are several activities that you can do at home to help improve speech and communication after a traumatic brain injury. These activities include:

Practicing using simple words and phrases.

Working on word-finding exercises such as anagrams or crossword puzzles.

Practicing sounds, syllables and sentences.

Playing games such as charades to help with conversation skills.

Reading aloud or having someone else read to you.

Using technology such as voice recognition software or picture boards to help with communication.

With the right support and guidance from a speech-language pathologist, people with TBI can make significant progress in their ability to communicate effectively. Speech and swallow therapy can help a person take back their life after TBI! Taking the time to practice these activities at home can help individuals improve their speech and language abilities even further.

Traumatic brain injury can cause communication challenges that may interfere with daily life activities. Speech therapy is an effective treatment option for those affected by TBI and provides a way for them to regain their ability to communicate and process information more effectively. With the help of speech therapy activities and adaptive technology, those with TBI can make progress in their communication skills and lead a more independent life. It is important to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of acquiring a traumatic brain injury and to provide support to those affected by it. Taking the time to practice speech therapy activities at home can also be beneficial for recovering individuals, as it will help them improve their language abilities further.

At Better Speech we know you deserve speech therapy that works. We have experts in your needs and assign the right therapist, not just the therapist that happens to be in your area. Having a traumatic brain injury can be difficult, but with the right support, you or your loved one can learn to lead a happy and successful life.

At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.

About the Author

Mikee Larrazabal

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with 14 years of experience working with children and adults who have communication difficulties. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science at Cebu Doctors' University and have been helping people overcome their communication challenges ever since.

I have worked with individuals of different ages, including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, adults and seniors. I'm passionate about speech therapy and take great satisfaction in helping people overcome their communication challenges and improve their lives through better communication skills. In my spare time I like reading books, going hiking in nature and taking care of my dog Locas.

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by Patricia D. Myers

I'm not an English native speaker and I wanted to improve my speech. Better Speech onboarding process is AWESOME, I met with different people before being matched with an AMAZING Therapist, Christina. My assigned therapist created a safe place for me to be vulnerable and made all the sessions fun and helpful. Thanks to her, I received great feedback from my clients.

by John L. Wilson

​ Better Speech is a great program that is easy to use from home and anywhere online. Shannon was amazing at engaging our shy son - and building on their relationship each session! Her commitment to knowing him improved his confidence to speak and practice more. Truly appreciate her dedication. She cares for her clients.

by Christy O. King

​ Better Speech is an excellent opportunity to improve your speech in the convenience of your home with flexible scheduling options. Our therapist Miss Lynda was nothing short of amazing! We have greatly appreciated and enjoyed the time spent together in speech therapy. Her kind, engaging and entertaining spirit has been well received. She will surely be missed.

by Patricia W. Lopez

This service is so easy, i signed up, got a therapist and got to set up an appointment right away that worked with my schedule. so glad to see that services like speech therapy are finally catching up to the rest of the convenience age! therapy is great, i can't believe how many good tips, exercises and methods in just the first session. really recommend it!

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Rehabilitation After Traumatic Brain Injury

What is rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden injury causes damage to your brain. A "closed head injury" may cause brain damage if something hits your head hard but doesn’t break through your skull. A "penetrating head injury" occurs when an object breaks through your skull and enters your brain.

Symptoms that may occur after TBI may include:

Convulsions

Loss of coordination

Slurred speech

Poor concentration

Memory problems

Personality changes

Weakness in muscles

According to the CDC, the leading cause of TBI is falls, particularly for young children and adults age 65 and older. Other common causes of TBI include accidental blunt force trauma, motor vehicle accidents, and violent assaults.

If you have had a TBI, rehabilitation (or rehab) will be an important part of your recovery. Rehab can take many forms depending on your needs. It might include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as psychiatric care and social support. All these are designed to help you recover from the effects of your injury as much as possible.

Why might I need rehab after traumatic brain injury?

Rehab may help:

Improve your ability to function at home and in your community

Help treat the mental and physical problems caused by TBI

Provide social and emotional support

Help you adapt to changes as they occur during your recovery

Rehab can also help prevent complications of TBI, such as:

Blood clots

Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores

Breathing problems and pneumonia

A drop in blood pressure when you move around

Muscle weakness and muscle spasm

Bowel and bladder problems

Reproductive and sexual function problems

What are the risks of rehab after traumatic brain injury?

Rehab after a TBI is not likely to cause problems. But there is always a risk that parts of treatment, such as physical or occupational therapy, might lead to new injuries or make existing symptoms or injuries worse if not done correctly.

That’s why it is important to work closely with your rehab specialist who will take steps to help prevent problems. But they may still happen. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before rehab.

How do I get ready for rehab after traumatic brain injury?

Before you can start rehab, you must get care and treatment for the early effects of TBI. This might include:

Emergency treatment for head and any other injuries

Intensive care treatment

Surgery to repair brain or skull injuries

Recovery in the hospital

Transfer to a rehabilitation hospital

What happens during rehab after traumatic brain injury?

Every person's needs and abilities after TBI are different. You will have a rehab program designed especially for you. Your program is likely to involve many types of healthcare providers. It’s important to have a central person you can talk to. This person is often called your case coordinator or case manager. This person will help coordinate your care and work with you and your family on the type of available rehab programs and the rehab coverage offered by your health insurance company.

Over time, your program will likely change as your needs and abilities change.

Rehab can take place in various settings. You, your case coordinator, and your family should pick the setting that works best for you. Sometimes rehab choices are limited by the type of health insurance you have. Possible settings include:

Inpatient rehab hospital

Outpatient rehab hospital

Home-based rehab

A comprehensive day program

An independent living center

Your individual program may include any or all of these treatments:

Physical therapy

Physical medicine

Occupational therapy

Psychiatric care

Psychological care

Speech and language therapy

Social support

You have many choices for rehab therapy, and the type of rehab therapy that you need will be determined by your care team. Your care team will assess your needs and abilities. This assessment may include:

Bowel and bladder control

Speech ability

Swallowing ability

Strength and coordination

Ability to understand language

Mental and behavioral state

Social support needs

What happens after rehab for traumatic brain injury?

How long your rehab lasts and how much follow-up care you will need afterwards depends on how severe your brain damage was and how well you respond to therapy. Some people may be able to return to the same level of ability they had before TBI. Others need lifetime care. Some people are helped by vocational rehab. This helps them learn new skills with the goal of employment.

Some long-term effects of TBI can show up years later. You may be at higher risk long-term for problems, such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, and other forms of dementia.

After rehab you may be given these directions:

Symptoms and signs that you should call your healthcare provider about

Symptoms and signs that are to be expected

Advice on safety and self-care

Advice on alcohol and illegal drug use

Community support resources available to you

Your primary care provider should be given all the records and recommendations from your therapy team to help make sure that you continue to get the right care.

Before you agree to a test or procedure, make sure you know:

The name of the test or procedure

The reason you are having the test or procedure

What results to expect and what they mean

The risks and benefits of the test or procedure

What the possible side effects or complications are

When and where you are to have the test or procedure

Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are

What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure

Any alternative tests or procedures to think about

When and how you will get the results

Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems

How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure

Find a Doctor

Specializing In:

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Brain Injury

Find a Treatment Center

• Intracerebral Hemorrhage Center

Find Additional Treatment Centers at:

• Howard County Medical Center
• Sibley Memorial Hospital
• Suburban Hospital

Request an Appointment

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