Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as concussion, is a widespread and widely researched topic. However, researchers and clinicians are still noting unclear diagnostic criteria, few objective indicators of mTBI, and limited evidence-backed interventions for symptom management. “Interdisciplinary Management of Concussion or Mild TBI,” the latest forum in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (AJSLP), looks to tackle these gaps head on.

Guest Editors McKay Moore Sohlberg and Pauline A. Mashima write that the articles in this forum provide direction for training, research, and practice in management of cognitive symptoms in mTBI. In addition, clinicians reading the forum may find “a foundation to advocate for the inclusion and role of SLPs on interdisciplinary teams” (Sohlberg & Mashima, 2021, p. 1589).

Feasible, Effective Interventions

After an introduction by the guest editors, Chesnutt uses two biophysical models to show the impact of pre- and post-injury factors and to provide direction for assessment and treatment of cognitive symptoms of mTBI. Next, Mashima and colleagues’ article focuses on foundational knowledge of mTBI injury and symptoms.

Wright and Sohlberg underscore the need for interprofessional practice (IPP) to develop a personalized, dynamic approach for each patient. Then, an article by Hardin and colleagues examines the practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experienced with mTBI, finding clear consensus on using IPP and developing clear, client-centered goals. Finally, Isaki focuses on mTBI outside of sports or the military population as well as the research needs for treating these patients.

Sohlberg and Mashima write that they hope this forum allows researchers and clinicians “to develop feasible, effective interventions” when treating patients with mTBI” (Sohlberg & Mishima, 2021, p. 1591).

We’d like to thank Sohlberg and Mashima for their work on this forum. You can explore the individual articles below or read the entire forum. You can hear more about the importance of this forum in a video from the guest editors below. We hope you enjoy this forum!

Explore the Issue

Chesnutt, J. C. (2021). Evolving science to inform emerging concussion practices. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1592–1597. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00315

Hardin, K. Y., Black, C., Caldbick, K., Kelly, M., Malhotra, A., Tidd, C., Vallentin, T., & Turkstra, L. S. (2021). Current practices among speech-language pathologists for mild traumatic brain injury: A mixed-methods modified Delphi approach. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1625–1655. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00311

Isaki, E. (2021). Commentary on mild traumatic brain injury research needs in the general population. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1656–1658. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00403

Mashima, P. A., Waldron-Perrine, B., MacLennan, D., Sohlberg, M. M., Perla, L. Y., & Eapen, B. C. (2021). Interprofessional collaborative management of postconcussion cognitive symptoms. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1598–1610. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00313

Sohlberg, M. M., & Mashima, P. A. (2021). Editors’ foreword: Knowledge and skill competencies for speech-language pathology management of concussion. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1589–1591. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-21-00068

Wright, J., & Sohlberg, M. M. (2021). The implementation of a personalized dynamic approach for the management of prolonged concussion symptoms. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(4), 1611–1624. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00306