Post-concussion syndrome occurs when individuals do not quickly recover from mild traumatic brain injury/concussion and symptoms become chronic over a lengthened period of time. These symptoms include neurophysiological, cognitive-linguistic, and psychosocial deficits and difficulties that negatively impact daily functioning. Depression and/or anxiety are present to a significant degree. As a result of these multi-layered processes, consideration of the assessments used for differential diagnosis is important. Training survivors to use compensatory strategies and completing interventions to maximize functional abilities will aid them in recovery and return to full participation in daily life activities.

Objectives:

At the end of this session, the learner will be able to:

1. List at least 5 defining characteristics of post-concussion syndrome (PCS)
2. Describe the neurological correlates of brain injury and psychosocial deficits with PCS
3. List team members involved in care of persons with PCS
4. List 2 self-assessments of PCS symptoms
5. List 2 self-assessments that could be used for anxiety and depression symptoms in PCS
6. Describe 2 treatments of cognitive linguistic dysfunction in patients with PCS
7. Describe 2 psychological interventions appropriate for depression and anxiety in patients with PCS

Presenter:

Charity Shelton, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Charity Shelton is a speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience evaluating and treating swallowing, communication, and cognitive disorders in adolescents/adults with acquired brain injuries and degenerative neurological conditions. She is a seasoned speaker and regularly presents at local, state, and national events, conferences, and webinars. Charity is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America. She has published several peer-reviewed articles related to the treatment of cognitive-communication disorders in adults with brain injury. Charity is regularly involved in advocacy efforts and events, supporting adults with brain injury and their families.