Science & Medicine, a collaboration between TPR and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, explores how scientific advancements in the city impact global medical practices. One area of focus is concussions and their impact on cognitive and communication deficits.
According to Rocío Norman, PhD, an assistant professor at UT Health San Antonio, patients with concussions undergo extensive evaluations by their physicians. However, some cognitive changes may go unnoticed as doctors often focus on physical aspects like walking and movement rather than cognition and communication. Even mild cognitive deficits can make simple tasks like having a conversation in a noisy restaurant challenging.
Norman’s research on cognition and communication after concussions revealed that communication deficits can persist and contribute to feelings of isolation, hindering individuals at work and causing anxiety and depression. In the event of a mild traumatic brain injury, Norman suggests seeking a thorough evaluation to address any potential cognitive or language issues through a referral to a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or neuropsychologist. Additionally, Norman emphasizes the need for improved tools to detect cognitive deficits early on.
By examining the impact of scientific discoveries on medical practices globally, Science & Medicine aims to provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes.
