An introduction to traumatic brain injury
Elizabeth specialises in the assessment and treatment of adults following traumatic brain injury. Speech and language therapy are services available in Birmingham, Solihull and across the West Midlands.
The term head injury usually refers to TBI, but is a broader category because it can involve damage to structures other than the brain, such as the scalp and skull. Causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) include falls, road traffic accidents, and violence e.g as a result of an assault.
Brain trauma can occur as a consequence of a focal impact upon the head, by a sudden acceleration/deceleration within the brain or by a complex combination of both movement and sudden impact. In addition to the damage caused at the moment of injury, brain trauma causes secondary injury, a variety of events that take place in the minutes and days following the injury. These processes, which include alterations in blood flow and intracranial pressure (pressure in the brain) contribute substantially to the damage from the initial injury.
TBI can cause a host of physical, cognitive, cognitive-communication, social, emotional, and behavioural effects, and outcome can range from complete recovery to permanent, significant disability or death. Depending on the injury and severity of brain injury, the treatment required may be minimal or may include interventions such as neuro-surgery and rehabilitation including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.
What are some of the speech and language difficulties following brain injury?
What are some of the ways a speech and language therapist may help?
Further information for friends and family whilst the person is in the hospital setting.
Highly specialist speech and language therapy for children and adults with traumatic brain injury is available from our practice in Birmingham, Solihull and across the West Midlands. To discuss your precise needs, for a no obligation discussion or to book an appointment, contact us today.