The role of speech-language pathology and audiology in the optimal management of the service member returning from Iraq or Afghanistan with a blast-related head injury: position of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Trials Research Group.
This position paper, prepared by the Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Trails Research Group, describes communication and swallowing disorders associated with blast injuries and delineates the roles of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in the management of these deficits. Recovery of individuals with mild, moderate, or severe swallowing, speech, hearing, and cognitive-communication impairments is best facilitated by a team of multidisciplinary specialists including SLPs and audiologists. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists have the knowledge and skills to evaluate, treat, and research swallowing, speech, hearing, and cognitive-communication functions, and they should have a primary role in determining the clinical management of, research agenda for, and public health policies regarding individuals with blast-related head injuries from the time of injury to their return to maximized life participation and quality of life.
Cherney
Leora R
LR
Communication and Brain Injury Consortium (CBIC) of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Trials Research Group (CSDRG), Evanston, IL 60201, USA.
Gardner
Patricia
P
Logemann
Jeri A
JA
Newman
Lisa A
LA
O'Neil-Pirozzi
Therese
T
Roth
Carole R
CR
Solomon
Nancy Pearl
NP
D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D001298:Audiology; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D024382:Professional Role; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013070:Speech Therapy; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000592:standards*; D017749:Total Quality Management; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States