An acquired or traumatic brain injury results from sudden damage to the brain. The consequences of brain injury may include cognitive-communication and/or swallowing difficulties in addition to physical, sensory, emotional, and behavioural issues. Symptoms vary depending on how widespread the brain damage is and the location of the injury. The specific deficits resulting from this type of injury are often diagnosed and managed by a multidisciplinary team, including a speech-language pathologist.

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A brain injury may cause difficulties with any of the following areas of communication:

• Understanding conversation, instructions, presentations or media

• Conveying verbal messages and engaging in conversation in an efficient, appropriate and effective manner

• Making oneself understood with clear, intelligible speech or voice

• Responding in a timely fashion in conversation

• Remembering the contents of conversations or experiences

• Interacting in a socially acceptable manner

• Reading and/or writing for work, pleasure, or school

• Reasoning and decision making while communicating

• Academic or vocational performance  

 

A comprehensive cognitive-communication assessment will determine specific areas of impairment so that appropriate, functional treatment goals can be developed. Direct intervention can help you or your loved one learn to communicate more effectively during daily interactions and the use of compensatory strategies or assistive devices can also be trained to enhance performance. With support, many people are able to transition back into to their pre-injury activities and roles, including return to work and/or school.