How Speech-Language Therapy can Assist in Treatment of Concussions

Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner and while Philadelphia Eagles’ fans are gearing up for the big game, a new report shows a continued growing concern about the safety of the sport as the rate of concussions is on the rise.

According to recent statistics released by the NFL, there were 281 reported concussions during the 2017 preseason and regular season combined—the highest number on record in the last six years.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs from an impact to the head and can result in a change in mental status or consciousness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States each year from sports and recreational activities. While concussions are quite common, they can cause short-term and long-term effects including:

• Concentration and memory issues
• Feelings of confusion or dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Slurred speech and trouble communicating

Once a concussion has been diagnosed, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role in a patient’s recovery. The overall goal of speech-language therapy is to improve important cognitive skills such as memory, reasoning, understanding and concentration–all of which can be affected by a concussion.

Specific treatment plans depend on the severity of the injury. However in general, SLPs focus on helping patients maintain attention for basic activities, reduce confusion and learn problem solving strategies. 

At the Speech-Language Institute (SLI), trained SLPs set goals, create customized therapy plans, and schedule follow-up appointments for each individual client. For more information on SLI’s services or to schedule an appointment, call 215.780.3150.