Affiliations: [a] Speech Pathology, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| [b] Speech Pathology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| [c] NHMRC Clinical Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Rehabilitation, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dr. Joanne Steel, School ofHumanities and Social Science, School Office, 1st Floor, McMullin Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, NSW 2308, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 4921 5155; Fax: +61 2 4921 6933; E-mail: Joanne.Steel@uon.edu.au
Abstract: BACKGROUND:There is minimal speech pathology literature on communication presentation during post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) and the early recovery period after traumatic brain injury. While a body of research reports on other cognitive and behavioural functions during PTA, language and/or cognitive communication are not routinely the primary focus of current research literature. OBJECTIVE:This critical synthesis provides an overview of research to date on communication during PTA to inform speech pathology assessment practice and to assist with information provision to the multidisciplinary team and family members. METHODS:A search was conducted of studies reporting on language, cognition, and cognitive communication during the acute, inpatient and early recovery period after TBI. These were examined for relevance to speech pathology practice during PTA and acute confusional state. RESULTS:Historic and recent literature has described types of language and communication impairment during PTA and early recovery after TBI. Recently, aspects of communication impairment during PTA have been found relevant for outcome prediction. Few studies were found originating from speech pathology on communication during PTA. CONCLUSIONS:Communication disruption forms a key feature of PTA. Existing literature indicates that speech pathology monitoring of communication during PTA may be of benefit as part of multidisciplinary team management during early recovery.
