Speech-language pathology and concussion management in intercollegiate athletics: the Miami University Concussion Management Program.

PURPOSE: The Miami University Concussion Management Program was established in 1999 to assess, manage, and monitor athletes who sustain concussions and experience neurobehavioral and neurocognitive symptoms secondary to their injury. The purpose of this article is to describe the established procedures of one of the oldest university-based interdisciplinary concussion management programs that is coordinated by speech-language pathologists (SLP).

METHOD: The theoretical and clinical underpinnings of baseline and postconcussion neurocognitive assessment and management procedures are discussed. Additionally, 2 illustrative case studies are presented to demonstrate the evolution and implementation of the interdisciplinary concussion management protocol and to present different patterns of concussion symptoms and recovery. Paper and computer-based neurocognitive assessment protocols are discussed and integrated in the case studies.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Successful management of sport-related concussion requires an interdisciplinary team that understands the unique neurobehavioral and neurocognitive symptoms associated with sports concussions. SLPs can play a valuable role on the interdisciplinary team in the prompt and appropriate management of postconcussion symptoms so that athletes can successfully return to their athletic, academic, and social activities.