Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) can cause significant speech and communication difficulties. This website is designed for family and friends of TBI survivors, providing knowledge about brain injuries, the impact on speech, therapy options, and ways to support recovery.
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by an external force, such as a fall, accident, or impact.
Common causes include motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assaults.
TBI can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in young adults, older adults, and athletes.
This website is for the friends and family members and friends affected by traumatic brain injuries. Family and friends become responsible for providing guidance on communication, therapy, and daily support. These people are integral parts in healing and rehabilitation, and often get thrown into a new reality full of challenges
TBI is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Each year, millions suffer from TBI. The CDC reports approximately 2.8 million TBI-related emergency visits annually.
The leading causes include falls (especially in older adults), vehicle crashes, and sports injuries.
Children, young adults, and the elderly are the most affected groups.
People with TBI may struggle with organizing thoughts, maintaining conversations, and understanding others.
Difficulty using social language appropriately, such as taking turns in conversation.
Memory, attention, and cognitive processing can also be affected, making communication harder.
Slurred or slow speech due to weak muscles.
Difficulty planning speech movements, leading to errors in pronunciation.
Problems with understanding and producing language.
Speech therapy is a key part of recovery. It may include:
Be patient, give extra time for responses, and encourage communication.
Support speech therapy, practice simple speech exercises together, and provide emotional reassurance.