Lessons Learned From Coaching Postsecondary Students With Traumatic Brain Injury

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-96
Author(s):  
Mary R. T. Kennedy

Purpose The purpose of this clinical focus article is to provide speech-language pathologists with a brief update of the evidence that provides possible explanations for our experiences while coaching college students with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method The narrative text provides readers with lessons we learned as speech-language pathologists functioning as cognitive coaches to college students with TBI. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather to consider the recent scientific evidence that will help our understanding of how best to coach these college students. Conclusion Four lessons are described. Lesson 1 focuses on the value of self-reported responses to surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. Lesson 2 addresses the use of immediate/proximal goals as leverage for students to update their sense of self and how their abilities and disabilities may alter their more distal goals. Lesson 3 reminds us that teamwork is necessary to address the complex issues facing these students, which include their developmental stage, the sudden onset of trauma to the brain, and having to navigate going to college with a TBI. Lesson 4 focuses on the need for college students with TBI to learn how to self-advocate with instructors, family, and peers.

Author(s):  
Mary R. T. Kennedy ◽  
Katy H. O’Brien ◽  
Miriam O. Krause

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) weigh at least three factors when engaging in evidence-based practice: client perspectives, external scientific evidence, and clinical expertise (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2012). First, SLPs evaluate clients’ abilities and disabilities, and also assist clients in determining realistic and functional outcomes—that is, person-centered outcomes (PCOs). These goals are typically influenced by clients’ cultures, values, roles in society, and individualized aspirations. Second, this client-centered information is then compared and contrasted with the scientific evidence that has documented the benefits of intervention approaches used with clients who are similar and used to obtain these outcomes. Finally, SLPs’ expertise plays an integral role here too, including their prior experience with the intervention approach. The purpose of this article is to describe PCOs of individuals who are attending college during the chronic recovery phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and describe relationships between PCOs and therapeutic processes in a coaching approach with college students that includes the emerging evidence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2226-2241
Author(s):  
Kristen Ackley ◽  
Jessica Brown

Purpose Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for a large percentage of death and disability in the United States. Survivors of TBI and their families often face impaired cognition (e.g., memory or attention). Currently, evidence supports the use of individualized cognitive therapy for individuals who experience TBI. Therefore, we conducted a modified narrative literature review of speech-language pathologists' practices relative to college students with TBI. Method We conducted a search across three platforms. Nine hundred sixty-three articles were reviewed by title. From this, 178 articles were selected to be reviewed by abstract and 36 articles were read in full. Of these, 13 articles were included in the review. Articles were selected for inclusion or exclusion based on specific criteria related to population and diagnosis. Results Overall, little evidence exists to guide clinicians regarding specific assessment and treatment practices for college students postinjury. The findings of this review article span four major areas: (a) general service delivery efforts, (b) education, (c) assessment, and (d) treatment. Conclusion Results of the literature search indicate that evidence is lacking to support specific practices for use by speech-language pathologists with this population and highlight future research needs to inform clinical practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 1363-1370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Brown ◽  
Katy O'Brien ◽  
Kelly Knollman-Porter ◽  
Tracey Wallace

Purpose The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released guidelines for rehabilitation professionals regarding the care of children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Given that mTBI impacts millions of children each year and can be particularly detrimental to children in middle and high school age groups, access to universal recommendations for management of postinjury symptoms is ideal. Method This viewpoint article examines the CDC guidelines and applies these recommendations directly to speech-language pathology practices. In particular, education, assessment, treatment, team management, and ongoing monitoring are discussed. In addition, suggested timelines regarding implementation of services by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are provided. Specific focus is placed on adolescents (i.e., middle and high school–age children). Results SLPs are critical members of the rehabilitation team working with children with mTBI and should be involved in education, symptom monitoring, and assessment early in the recovery process. SLPs can also provide unique insight into the cognitive and linguistic challenges of these students and can serve to bridge the gap among rehabilitation and school-based professionals, the adolescent with brain injury, and their parents. Conclusion The guidelines provided by the CDC, along with evidence from the field of speech pathology, can guide SLPs to advocate for involvement in the care of adolescents with mTBI. More research is needed to enhance the evidence base for direct assessment and treatment with this population; however, SLPs can use their extensive knowledge and experience working with individuals with traumatic brain injury as a starting point for post-mTBI care.


Author(s):  
Christine Parrish ◽  
Carole Roth ◽  
Brooke Roberts ◽  
Gail Davie

Abstract Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is recognized as the signature injury of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet there remains limited understanding of the persisting cognitive deficits of mTBI sustained in combat. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have traditionally been responsible for evaluating and treating the cognitive-communication disorders following severe brain injuries. The evaluation instruments historically used are insensitive to the subtle deficits found in individuals with mTBI. Objectives: Based on the limited literature and clinical evidence describing traditional and current tests for measuring cognitive-communication deficits (CCD) of TBI, the strengths and weaknesses of the instruments are discussed relative to their use with mTBI. It is necessary to understand the nature and severity of CCD associated with mTBI for treatment planning and goal setting. Yet, the complexity of mTBI sustained in combat, which often co-occurs with PTSD and other psychological health and physiological issues, creates a clinical challenge for speech-language pathologists worldwide. The purpose of the paper is to explore methods for substantiating the nature and severity of CCD described by service members returning from combat. Methods: To better understand the nature of the functional cognitive-communication deficits described by service members returning from combat, a patient questionnaire and a test protocol were designed and administered to over 200 patients. Preliminary impressions are described addressing the nature of the deficits and the challenges faced in differentiating the etiologies of the CCD. Conclusions: Speech-language pathologists are challenged with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating the cognitive-communication deficits of mTBI resulting from combat-related injuries. Assessments that are sensitive to the functional deficits of mTBI are recommended. An interdisciplinary rehabilitation model is essential for differentially diagnosing the consequences of mTBI, PTSD, and other psychological and physical health concerns.


2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Haarbauer-Krupa

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this article is to inform speech-language pathologists in the schools about issues related to the care of children with traumatic brain injury.Method: Literature review of characteristics, outcomes and issues related to the needs serving children.Results: Due to acquired changes in cognition, children with traumatic brain injury have unique needs in a school setting.Conclusions: Speech-Language Pathologists in the school can take a leadership role with taking care of children after a traumatic brain injury and coordination of medical and educational information.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison A. Fedio ◽  
James Sexton ◽  
Larisa Lasko ◽  
Simona Efanov ◽  
Stephanie Golden ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
pp. 110-119

Primary Objectives: By extending the scope of knowledge of the primary care optometrist, the brain injury population will have expanded access to entry level neurooptometric care by optometric providers who have a basic understanding of their neurovisual problems, be able to provide some treatment and know when to refer to their colleagues who have advanced training in neuro-optometric rehabilitation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 001-008
Author(s):  
Ting Liu ◽  
Xing-Zhi Liao ◽  
Mai-Tao Zhou

Abstract Background Brain edema is one of the major causes of fatality and disability associated with injury and neurosurgical procedures. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of ulinastatin (UTI), a protease inhibitor, on astrocytes in a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methodology A rat model of TBI was established. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups – one group was treated with normal saline and the second group was treated with UTI (50,000 U/kg). The brain water content and permeability of the blood–brain barrier were assessed in the two groups along with a sham group (no TBI). Expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein, endthelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Effect of UTI on ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways was measured by western blot. Results UTI significantly decreased the brain water content and extravasation of the Evans blue dye. This attenuation was associated with decreased activation of the astrocytes and ET-1. UTI treatment decreased ERK and Akt activation and inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory VEGF and MMP-9. Conclusion UTI can alleviate brain edema resulting from TBI by inhibiting astrocyte activation and ET-1 production.


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