Concussion Care

Brain Injury/Concussion Therapy

S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks provides concussion therapy and support for children and adults experiencing communication and cognitive changes after a brain injury, head injury, mild traumatic brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury, and although many people recover well, some continue to experience concussion symptoms, post concussion symptoms, or post concussion syndrome that affect school, work, sports, and daily activities.

Our speech therapy services focus on communication, thinking, and participation in everyday life. A speech therapist or speech pathologist can complete an assessment, evaluation, and testing process to identify cognitive communication difficulties, language concerns, reading challenges, memory problems, and other issues affecting recovery.

Concussion Symptoms and Communication

After a concussion, common symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, pain, balance issues, difficulty with mental activities, trouble at school or work, and changes in speech, language, memory, and communication. Some patients may also notice slurred speech, trouble finding words, difficulty understanding conversations, reduced ability to understand language, and challenges interpreting social cues or using social skills effectively.

These symptoms can affect a person’s cognitive abilities and cognitive skills, including attention, organization, reading, problem solving, and communication. For some people, symptoms occur immediately after injury. For others, concerns become more noticeable as they return to daily responsibilities, playing sports, or other demanding activities.

Assessment and Concussion Treatment

A thorough assessment includes discussion of symptoms, current difficulties, and relevant medical history. The goal is to assess how the injury affects communication, language, cognition, and participation in life.

Concussion treatment and concussion management through speech-language pathology may help patients:

• improve communication and language
• support memory and cognitive recovery
• treat reading and school-related difficulties
• identify strategies for daily activities
• recover skills needed for work, school, and life
• support progress during the recovery process

Therapy is individualized based on the person, symptoms, risk factors, and goals.

Cognitive Communication Therapy

Cognitive Communication Therapy focuses on the underlying cognitive processes that affect communication. Therapy may target memory, attention, processing, organization, reading, problem solving, and the ability to communicate clearly in real-life situations.

This service may be appropriate for children or adults who continue to experience cognitive communication difficulties after concussion or traumatic brain injury.

Concussion Care and Team Support

Concussion Care at S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks is part of a broader recovery plan. Depending on symptoms, a person may also benefit from concussion physiotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or support from an occupational therapist and other health professionals.

In severe cases, or when red-flag symptoms are present, immediate emergency care may be necessary. Our role is not to replace medical care, but to provide specialized services that support communication and cognitive recovery.

Concussion recovery often involves more than one person and more than one service. We aim to provide support that helps patients recover safely, track progress, and return to daily life with greater confidence. We also want clients and families to have an excellent experience while receiving care.

Group Therapy

Group Therapy offers a practical setting to practise communication, cognitive, and social skills with others. Group programs may help some adults or children apply strategies in real-world situations.

If you or someone you care for is experiencing ongoing concussion symptoms, communication difficulty, or cognitive challenges after a brain injury, contact S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks to learn more about available services, concussion care, and treatment options.