Communication

Cognitive-Communication Impairments After Traumatic Brain Injury

 

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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may result in a broad array of cognitive-communicative impairments. Cognitive-communicative impairments are the result of deficits in linguistic and nonlinguistic cognitive functions. The speech-language pathologist functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team of professionals that collaboratively assess and treat individuals with TBI. The role of the speech-language pathologist includes assessment of all aspects of communication, as well as the communicative implications of cognitive deficits, and swallowing; treatment planning and programming, as determined by the individual's stage of recovery; client and family training/counseling; and interdisciplinary consultation. The effectiveness of speech and language intervention for specific cognitive deficits (e.g., attention, memory, executive functions) as well as general issues of social-skills training and early intervention are illustrated by scientific and clinical evidence from group-treatment and single-subject studies as well as case studies.

National Center for Neurogenic
Communication Disorders
Speech and Hearing Sciences
Building 71
The University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
Voice: (520) 621-1472
Toll-free: (800) 926-2444
Fax: (520) 621-2226
E-mail: center@cnet.shs.arizona.edu