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TBI is a brain injury that can happen from a bump or blow to the head or when an object goes through the skull and into the brain. 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.
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. You may experience one or more of the following problems:
Some common causes of TBI are
Sport-related and military combat injuries also cause TBI. You may be more likely to have another TBI if you have had one before. Even a mild TBI can lead to more serious problems if you get hit in the head again.
A team of professionals, including an SLP, will be involved in your care. They will conduct tests to decide what treatments you will need. An audiologist will conduct tests if you are having hearing or balance problems.
An SLP can test speech, language, and thinking skills. The SLP can also look at how you eat and swallow.
The SLP will work with you starting from the early stages of recovery. Depending on your needs, the SLP may help you
Some people cannot speak clearly for a long time after a TBI. Your SLP may suggest that you use other ways to communicate, like picture boards or computers that speak for you. This is called augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC. Treatment will focus on helping you communicate better using these tools.
SLPs also work with other professionals, like rehabilitation counselors, to help you get back to school or work.
See ASHA information for professionals in the Practice Portal pages on Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults and Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.
This list does not include every website on this topic. ASHA does not endorse the information on these sites.