Cognitive and communication problems that result from traumatic brain injury vary from person to person. These problems depend on many factorsÂ
Communication is a complex process, which involves many aspects of thinking and social skills. If brain injury impairs any of these skills then it can affect the ability to communicate successfully. 'Cognitive communication difficulties' is the term most often used for the resulting problems.
Attention
People who have experienced TBI might have trouble paying attention or staying focused.
The ability to pay attention is an important thinking skill.
Trouble paying attention can often lead to other problems and challenges, such as:.
1) Getting distracted more easily.
2) Having trouble finishing things.
3) Difficulty switching attention from one task t.
Can a speech-language pathologist help with a traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, causes damage to the brain that can result in speech, language, thinking, and swallowing problems.
TBI can happen at any age.
Speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, can help.
Visit ASHA ProFind to locate a professional in your area.
Can a TBI cause speech problems?
TBI can cause speech, language, thinking, and swallowing problems.
These problems can affect you in school, at work, and in everyday activities.
SLPs treat these problems.
Because your brain controls all that you do, TBI can cause many problems.
A lot will depend on how bad the injury is and where it is in your brain.
Cognition After TBI
This factsheet discusses common difficulties with cognition (or thinking) that some individuals have after a TBI and presents some tips that may help reduce these challenges.
Cognitive Communication
Thinking difficulties can make it harder to express your thoughts and understand what others are trying to say.
Examples of cognitive communication problems include:.
1) Difficulty thinking of the right word.
2) Trouble starting or following conversations or understanding what others say.
3) Rambling or getting off topic easily.
4) Difficulty expressin.
How does traumatic brain injury affect communication?
Individuals with traumatic brain injuries are often unaware of their errors and can become frustrated or angry and place the blame for communication difficulties on the person to whom they are speaking.
Reading and writing abilities are often worse than those for speaking and understanding spoken words.
Judgment, Reasoning, Problem-Solving, and Self-Awareness
Judgment, reasoning, problem-solving and self-monitoring are complex cognitive skills that are often affected after a TBI.
Problems in these areas also impact decision-making and behaviors.
People with TBI who have difficulty in these areas may have the following problems:.
1) Analyzing information or changing the way they think (being flexible) 2. .
Learning and Remembering New Information
People with TBI may have trouble learning and remembering new information and events.
People with TBI may also have problems remembering entire events or conversations.
When this happens, the mind will sometimes try to fill in the gaps of missing information with things that did not really happen.
These false memories are not lies.
False memories a.
Planning and Organization
People with TBI may have trouble planning the steps needed to accomplish a goal or organizing their ideas or belongings in a systematic way.
Examples include:.
1) Difficulty planning their day and scheduling appointments.
2) Trouble organizing and keeping track of things like important papers, mail, and other items.
3) Trouble with tasks that require .
What happens if you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
No matter what type of TBI you have, damage to your brain happens right away.
Later, you may develop seizures or brain swelling.
Doctors treat these medical problems.
TBI can cause speech, language, thinking, and swallowing problems.
These problems can affect you in school, at work, and in everyday activities.
SLPs treat these problems.
What Is Cognition?
Cognition is the act of knowing or thinking.
Some thinking abilities that can be affected by TBI include:.
1) Attention and concentration.
2) Processing and understanding information.
3) Memory.
4) Planning, organizing, and assembling.
5) Reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and judgment.
6) Monitoring and watching behavior to ensure that it is s.
Categorized listing of Mental Disease/Disorders
The following is a list of mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
