The Value of Speech-Language Pathologists in Concussion Management

Abstract

Objective The goal of this article is to make a case for the value of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to be considered for inclusion on a concussion management team in a consultant capacity and resource for student-athletes during the return-to-learn process particularly at the high school or collegiate level where they may already be on staff or affiliated. SLPs have the skills and expertise to address difficulties and provide structured strategies to address symptoms of a concussion that affect cognitive processing, attention, and focus which often are impacted during recovery from a concussion. These skills alongside an athletic trainer/school nurse will provide a mechanism for student-athletes to be monitored and have a resource through the return-to-learn and return-to-play process.

The Implementation of a Return-to-Play Protocol with Standardized Physical Therapy Referrals in a Collegiate Football Program: PT’s Role in Return-to-Play, A Clinical Commentary

“…Although SLPs are uncommon in traditional concussion management team, speech-language pathology is the second most common referral destination from a specialized concussion clinic, behind physical therapy. 48 In the context of concussion management, an SLP examines cognitive processing skills, divided attention, and working memory and provides strategies and skills to aid in active cognitive recovery. 48 A communication portal was created including athletic trainers, team physician, and the university academic coordinator in which the SLP would provide insight into cognitive strategies to better individualize the RTL plan.…”

“…48 In the context of concussion management, an SLP examines cognitive processing skills, divided attention, and working memory and provides strategies and skills to aid in active cognitive recovery. 48 A communication portal was created including athletic trainers, team physician, and the university academic coordinator in which the SLP would provide insight into cognitive strategies to better individualize the RTL plan. Furthermore, the SLP would communicate to the physical therapist the cognitive domains in which an athlete had deficits, e.g., working memory, divided attention, in order for the PT to incorporate these demands into dual-task interventions.…”

Understanding Cognitive Communication Needs in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Issues Identified at the 2020 International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference

“…Barriers may also exist around caseloads for SLPs in schools, so team-based work may not be protected time. Work that highlights the role of SLPs as part of an interdisciplinary concussion team is emerging (Dachtyl & Morales, 2017;Hardin & Kelly, 2019;Ketcham et al, 2017;Knollman Porter et al, 2014), but far more work is needed to understand and overcome barriers toward SLPs being full members of interdisciplinary teams managing the short-and long-term management of pediatric TBI. To help tie together the themes of terminology, training, and interdisciplinary teams specifically related to CCDs in pediatric TBI, two case examples are provided below.…”

Overcoming Knowledge Barriers for Inclusion of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists in the Management of Students with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

“…Literature describing the role of SLPs as part of RTL teams in schools is sparse, [14][15][16] but experts in the field have noted the important role SLPs play in managing cognition, communication, and metacognition for adults who experience mTBI. 17,18 For example, Cornis-Pop and colleagues 17 provide detailed explanations of how SLP training and expertise map to the needs of military veterans with mTBI, addressing problems with attention, memory, executive function, and speed of processing.…”