The Overlooked Need for Speech Evaluation in Collegiate Athletes Post-Concussion
Faculty Mentor
Catherine Crowley
Area of Research
Speech Language Pathology
Major
Speech Language Pathology
Description
Introduction: Concussions can be described as the brain forcefully smashing into the skull resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions can disrupt typical brain function, resulting in negative effects on speech and language skills, and thereby hindering an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. These symptoms can be long-lasting, especially if adequate services are not received. Sports related injuries are one of the leading causes of concussions, however, there is a paucity of research related to collegiate level athletes receiving adequate speech and language services despite empirical data acknowledging these deficits related to concussions. The objective of this study is to assess if college athletes are receiving speech and language services post-concussion. Additionally, the purpose was to demonstrate why speech language pathology intervention is important in concussion management. Methods: This study was conducted via a literature review on understanding concussions and their symptoms. Specifically, the impact that concussions have on speech and language abilities. To determine if there is a lack of speech language pathology intervention, the standard protocols for concussions were researched. Lastly, this literature review highlighted the importance of the Speech Language Pathologist’s role for athletes post-concussion, and the detrimental effects that could occur if speech and language services are not received. Conclusion: Evidence showed a need for speech and language therapy for post concussive athletes. Moreover, there is a lack of evaluation and services being provided to athletes post-concussion. In conclusion, standard protocol for concussions should include speech and language evaluation and referral to Speech Language Pathologist if needed.
The Overlooked Need for Speech Evaluation in Collegiate Athletes Post-Concussion
Introduction: Concussions can be described as the brain forcefully smashing into the skull resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions can disrupt typical brain function, resulting in negative effects on speech and language skills, and thereby hindering an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. These symptoms can be long-lasting, especially if adequate services are not received. Sports related injuries are one of the leading causes of concussions, however, there is a paucity of research related to collegiate level athletes receiving adequate speech and language services despite empirical data acknowledging these deficits related to concussions. The objective of this study is to assess if college athletes are receiving speech and language services post-concussion. Additionally, the purpose was to demonstrate why speech language pathology intervention is important in concussion management. Methods: This study was conducted via a literature review on understanding concussions and their symptoms. Specifically, the impact that concussions have on speech and language abilities. To determine if there is a lack of speech language pathology intervention, the standard protocols for concussions were researched. Lastly, this literature review highlighted the importance of the Speech Language Pathologist’s role for athletes post-concussion, and the detrimental effects that could occur if speech and language services are not received. Conclusion: Evidence showed a need for speech and language therapy for post concussive athletes. Moreover, there is a lack of evaluation and services being provided to athletes post-concussion. In conclusion, standard protocol for concussions should include speech and language evaluation and referral to Speech Language Pathologist if needed.