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Abstract

Objectives: Although much is known about discourse impairment, little is known about discourserecovery after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). This paper explores discourse recovery across thecritical first year, controlling for pre-injury, injury and post-injury variables. Design and methods: Aninception cohort comprising 57 participants with severe TBI was examined at 3, 6, 9 and 12 monthspost-injury and compared to a cross-section of matched healthy control participants. A narrativediscourse task was analyzed with main concept analysis (MCA). A mixed linear model approach wasused to track recovery controlling for pre-injury, injury and post-injury variables. Results: An upwardtrajectory of recovery was observed, with peak periods of improvement between 3–6 and 9–12 monthsand all time points were significantly below controls. Years of education and PTA duration weresignificant covariates in the recovery model. Presence of aphasia also influenced the recovery model.Conclusions: Individuals with TBI typically improve over the first year, however many will continue tohave discourse deficits at 12 months. Years of education, PTA duration and aphasia should be considered when planning services. The 3–6- and 9–12-month periods may offer optimal periods fordiscourse recovery and increased supports may be beneficial between 6-9 months.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Elbourn, E and Kenny, B and Power, E and Honan, C and McDonald, S and Tate, R and Holland, A and MacWhinney, B and Togher, L
Keywords:	traumatic brain injury, communication
Journal or Publication Title:	Brain Injury
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISSN:	0269-9052
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2018.1539246
Copyright Information:	© 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Related URLs:	Google Scholar: Honan, C UTAS Profile: Honan, C
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