Posttraumatic Amnesia and Language Impairments: Reported Diagnostic Practices of Hospital-Based Speech-Language Pathologists
Jennifer Miller, Megan E. SchliepPurpose:
Given the qualitative language differences observed during posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) after traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with the limited research base to guide clinical practice during PTA, this study aimed to (1) identify current speech-language pathologist (SLP) assessment and diagnostic practices for language dysfunction during PTA and (2) characterize the diagnostic terminology SLPs apply to PTA-associated language impairments.
Method:
SLPs in the United States who provide clinical services to adults with neurologic communication impairments in hospital settings completed a cross-sectional online survey regarding their clinical practices and knowledge. Qualitative data were organized into broad categories using content analysis to summarize the common diagnostic themes applied by participants. Data were analyzed descriptively.
Results:
Data from 83 SLPs revealed wide variability in reported knowledge and practice patterns for language and PTA assessment. Diagnostic terminology also varied considerably; for example, respondents reported using terminology for cognition (67%), language (47%), confusion (27%), and aphasia (18%) when labeling language impairments associated with transient confusion/PTA.
Conclusions:
These results expand on previous findings demonstrating inconsistencies in SLPs' knowledge and service delivery for individuals with TBI by examining diagnostic practices and terminology for language impairments during PTA. Specialized training in TBI is needed among SLPs, and guidelines need to be developed and disseminated to clinicians to support differential diagnosis and clinical decision making. Adoption of common diagnostic language to describe language impairments related to PTA is warranted.
Supplemental Material: