Traumatic brain injury and communication

WK8

What is a cognitive communication disorder?

A disorder affecting communication due to disrupted cognition; includes speaking, listening, reading, writing, and nonverbal communication.

what processes are disrupted in CCD?

Attention, perception, memory, organisation, executive function.

How is language affected in CCD?

It’s a disorder of language use (pragmatics) rather than language form (grammar/syntax).

What organisation defines CCD and outlines its impact?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA, 2005).

What might a person with CCD sound like in conversation?

Fluent but tangential speech, off-topic, disorganised, with poor relevance.

What is traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

Injury from external force to the brain causing neurological symptoms (e.g., LOC, amnesia).

Three types of TBI

Coup/contra-coup injury,

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI),

and haemorrhages (subdural/extradural).

What is Diffuse and Axonal injury (DAI)?

Shearing of axons due to rapid brain movement within the skull.

What is post traumatic amnesia (PTA)?

A temporary phase after TBI when the person cannot retain new memories.

What behaviours are common during PTA

Agitation, aggression, disinhibition, confusion, or lack of awareness.

What are common co-occurring impairments with CCD?

Aphasia, dysarthria, physical weakness, and behavioural changes.

What cognitive deficits are common in CCD?

Poor problem-solving, impaired memory, attention deficits, poor judgment.

How might CCD affect daily life and safety?

Difficulty identifying emergencies, poor decision-making, increased vulnerability.

What are some psychosocial consequences of CCD?

Loss of social enjoyment, relationship strain, difficulty making/keeping friends.

How does CCD affect employment?

Poor interview performance, difficulty maintaining work (Garcia et al., 2002).

How do others often respond to people with CCD?

Communication partners feel increased effort is needed; friends may withdraw (Godfrey et al., 2000).

What is hypoxia?

when the brain is deprived of oxygen resulting in multiple concussions

Cognitive deficits of PTA

reduced concentration and attention

slow processing ability

poor recent memory

poor judgement and executive functioning

language problems- aphasia

agnosia

visuo-spatial dysfunction

effects of cognitive communication disorder

miss the beginning, middle or end of a message leading to misunderstandings or failing to comply

any activities seen as boring

difficulty in a crowd (even of 3)

problems understanding figurative language and therefore difficulty with jokes, cliches etc.

teasing may be interpreted as an insult

compliment interpreted as a sexual invitation