The days of “get lots of sleep and avoid lights” for days on end after a concussion ARE OVER. Individuals who receive treatment from trained professionals soon after a concussion report far greater outcomes than those who do not.
Concussions ARE traumatic brain injuries. Following a concussion, some of the primary complaints are problems with:
- Brain fog
- Attention
- Fatigue
- Word-finding
- Memory
- Attention
- Sleep disruption
These are all things that a trained speech language pathologist can assist with. We don’t have magic wands, but we are able to coach clients on how to manage different aspects of daily living to reduce the symptoms and improve quality of life. Live Well Speech Therapy is a licensed provider of the Attention Processing Training program, one of the few systematic, evidence-based cognitive treatment interventions for brain injury. Individuals who complete the program report that they “improved significantly in . . . relevant process skills, such as Mental Energy, Knowledge, Temporal organization, and Adaptation . . .” (Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2021 Sep 23).
It is important to note that speech language pathologists are one component of a concussion team comprised of physical therapists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, chiropractors, and mental health providers.
I recently evaluated a woman who’d been in a car accident. After interviewing her about her symptoms, I referred her to a local physical therapist and told her to start there, and see me when some of the balance and dizziness problems had been addressed, and the brain fog and memory problems persisted. Most people aren’t in a position to get all the advantageous services at once. The right professional will be able to guide you on what therapies to focus on and in what sequence.
If you or another adult you know are in need of treatment for a concussion, contact Live Well Speech Therapy via phone or text at (801) 420-4083, or by e-mail at jackie@livewellspeechtherapy.com. We accept private pay and most insurances.
**Speech Therapists: Feel free to contact me before you complete the Complete Concussions course.
