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Posttraumatic Amnesia and Language Impairments: Reported Diagnostic Practices of Hospital-Based Speech-Language
Jennifer Miller1,2, Megan E Schliep2,3
1Sheltering Arms Institute, Richmond, VA.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) show varied practices and terminology for assessing language deficits during posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Standardized guidelines and training are needed for consistent diagnosis and care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause posttraumatic amnesia (PTA), a state with significant language and cognitive alterations.
- Limited research exists to guide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in assessing and diagnosing language dysfunction during PTA.
- Variability in clinical practice and terminology hinders effective patient care for TBI survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify current speech-language pathologist (SLP) assessment and diagnostic practices for language dysfunction during posttraumatic amnesia (PTA).
- To characterize the diagnostic terminology SLPs use for PTA-associated language impairments.
- To highlight the need for standardized approaches in TBI rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 83 speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States.
- Participants provided clinical services to adults with neurologic communication impairments in hospital settings.
- Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed descriptively.
Main Results:
- Significant variability was found in SLPs' knowledge and practices regarding language and PTA assessment.
- Diagnostic terminology for PTA-associated language impairments was inconsistent, with terms related to cognition, language, confusion, and aphasia being used.
- A notable percentage of SLPs used cognitive (67%) or general language (47%) terms, while fewer used specific confusion (27%) or aphasia (18%) labels.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm inconsistencies in SLP knowledge and service delivery for TBI patients.
- Specialized training in TBI and the development of clinical guidelines are crucial for SLPs.
- Adopting standardized diagnostic language for PTA-related language impairments is warranted to improve differential diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
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