U of A Speech and Hearing Clinic Expands Services for Traumatic Brain Injury

University of Arkansas

Speech-Language Pathologist Jessica Danley providing clinical training on concussion and brain injury to graduate student Lighla Whitson at the University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic.

The University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic has expanded services to include evaluation and treatment of cognitive skills after concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

"People are often surprised to learn a concussion is, in fact, a form of a traumatic brain injury. Concussions can cause new memory problems, disorganization and lead to difficulty concentrating. These cognitive side effects can persist after the initial injury and interfere with a person's return to normal school and work routines," shared Jessica Danley, a speech-language pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist at the U of A Speech and Hearing Clinic.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. Concussions can be sustained during a fall, athletic injury, car accident or other situations involving a blow or jolt to the head.

The Brain Injury Association of America also reports that, after a sustaining a concussion, most students and athletes will typically recover within 2-3 weeks following adequate medical intervention, and if given proper periods of rest.

Unfortunately, some symptoms may persist, effecting academic and job performance. "Difficulty concentrating, poor time management, reduced ability to organize, high distractibility, and new onset of memory problems are the most common cognitive complaints," shared Danley. Speech therapy sessions at the clinic may include creating individualized organizational systems, navigating apps and technology designed to support the recovering brain, memory strategy training, and participating in drill-based attention tasks. Graduate students enrolled in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program will also gain unique and advanced clinical education opportunities through this new program.  

"March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Our goal is to raise public awareness of the effects of traumatic brain injury, including concussion.  There are services available right here on campus to help improve symptoms and provide support. Individuals are encouraged to discuss concerns with their medical provider to help determine if a referral for persisting cognitive problems after a concussion or traumatic brain injury is recommended," said Danley.

About the University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic: The University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic is a university-affiliated practice that has been offering comprehensive speech, language and audiology services since 1960. The clinic serves as a clinical training and research laboratory for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. The clinic has faculty with a wide range of experience who provide intervention to individuals with communication disorders while also teaching and supervising graduate and undergraduate students.