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Speech-Language Institute

Five Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries

  • 28 February 2018

TBI patientAccording to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every year, more than 2.8 million people in the U.S. sustains a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs are caused by an impact to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Depending on its severity, it can lead to brain damage, disability and even death.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. For the Speech-Language Institute (SLI) of Salus University, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about the affects TBIs can have on one’s speech, language and cognitive skills.

Here are five facts about TBIs:

  • TBIs can range from mild to severe: Mild TBIs, commonly called concussions, can result in a brief change in mental status or consciousness. Severe TBIs are more life threatening and can lead to permanent brain damage and memory loss.
  • Concussions are extremely common in sports: Concussions are very common, especially in high school sports. According to a study published by the Journal of Athletic Training, the highest concussion rates were in football, lacrosse and soccer.
  • Causes of TBIs can vary: Falls are the most common cause of TBIs - accounting for 47 percent of all incidents in 2013, according to the CDC. However other factors including traffic accidents, sports injuries, gun violence, assault, military combat and strokes can also lead to TBIs.
  • TBIs are more common in adults: A recent CDC report found hospitalization rates for TBIs were highest among adults over the age of 75. Experts say elderly adults who live alone are often more susceptible to TBIs typically from slips and falls.
  • Damage to the brain: Located in the front of the skull, just behind the forehead, the frontal lobes are the areas of the brain most affected by TBIs. This part of the brain plays a key role in memory, attention and problem solving and the left frontal lobe is specifically linked to speech-language functions.

During March, SLI will be offering complimentary speech-language screenings at The Eye Institute’s Oak Lane campus, 1200 West Godfrey Ave. in Philadelphia.

The screenings will take place:

  • Thursday, March 1, 2018: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 13, 2018: 3:00 p.m.  - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 15, 2018: 1:30 p.m.  - 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 27, 2018:  3:00 p.m.  - 6:00 p.m.

Speech-Language experts will also be on-site to answer questions about traumatic brain injuries and concussions as well as share information about how speech-language therapy can help.

For more information on SLI’s services or to schedule an appointment, call 215.780.3150.