Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
Head injuries in children can be dangerous for obvious reasons. But can a head injury cause a communication problem like speech delay?
Speech therapists are specialists who treat speech delays in young children. There are a variety of causes of speech delay. In this article, we share expert guidance about what to do if your child has sustained a brain injury and you’re worried about their speech.
Can a head injury cause a speech delay in a toddler?
The short answer: Yes, a head injury can cause a speech delay or other language problem in children.
Head injuries can be mild, such as a bump to the head. They can also be major, such as a concussion. A brain injury can include a bruise to the brain, a cut or wound, a broken bone in the skull, or internal bleeding in the brain.
The brain is very fragile. Any force or trauma to the head could result in impairment of different functions, including speech and language. A trauma to certain areas of the brain can negatively impact a child’s ability to speak or understand language.
Symptoms of speech delay due to a brain injury:
Difficulty using words to communicate
Difficulty producing speech sounds
Poor word pronunciation
Difficulty understanding spoken words
Difficulty understanding and using more complex sentences, language, and vocabulary
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Free consultationWhat are the symptoms of a head injury in children?
In addition to those listed above, there are many types of symptoms that can show up after a brain injury. They can affect a child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Cincinnati Children’s lists the following head injury symptoms to watch for:
Physical symptoms of a head injury in children:
Headache(s)
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or being sleepy
Dizziness
Loss of balance or trouble walking
Ringing in ears
Double or blurred vision
Numbness or tingling
Loss of consciousness
Cognitive (thinking) symptoms of a head injury in children:
Feeling foggy or confused
Slow thinking or slow processing
Memory problems
Poor concentration
Poor judgment
Difficulty in school
Emotional symptoms of a head injury in children:
Irritability
More emotional than usual
Sadness or nervousness
Lack of interest or motivation in the usual things
Easily frustrated, angered, or tearful
Impatient
Bolder than usual
Having outbursts
Difficulty tolerating daily routine
Sleep symptoms of a head injury in children:
Change in sleeping patterns
Trouble falling asleep
Trouble staying asleep
Sleeping more than usual
Sleeping less than usual
What to do if you think your child has a brain injury
Falling down or running into something isn’t uncommon for a busy toddler. But if you suspect your child has a head injury, you need to seek medical attention.
Nemours Children’s Health says that if a child has the following signs, you should call 9-1-1 right away for immediate help:
Loss of consciousness (the child passes out)
Can’t respond to you
Has changes in vision
Has a serious wound that bleeds a lot
Has blood or clear fluid coming from their nose or ear
Has changes in behavior, such as agitation, confusion, or being very sleepy
Is dizzy or stumbling
Has seizures
Throws up more than twice, or throws up hours after the injury
Has weakness or numbness/tingling in both arms or legs
Has neck pain or tenderness
If your child isn’t showing any of the symptoms above, but you’re remembering a time when they got hurt and wondering if it was a head injury, call your pediatrician. They will explain what to do next. If your child is showing signs of a speech delay or other language problem, your pediatrician will likely recommend speech therapy. Speech therapists treat children with a variety of diagnoses and conditions, including brain injuries.
How does speech therapy help children after a head injury?
Speech therapy begins with an evaluation. The speech therapist will perform assessments in order to identify where your child needs support. They will also review your child’s medical history and talk with you about how they communicate. All of this information will help determine what types of goals will be targeted in speech therapy.
Your speech therapist will set goals for your child and work on them in each session. They will measure the percentage of accuracy that your child shows toward these goals each week. This helps the speech therapist track progress and understand how your child is responding to treatment. They can make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
Could your child have a speech delay?
Take our screenerParents should know that speech therapy for children is typically play-based and child-led. This helps keep kids engaged and excited about speech therapy. Sometimes they don’t even realize all the hard work they’re doing!
If a child is not talking yet, or isn’t using many words, the speech therapist will use activities to help the child practice naming items or using words to ask for things.
If a child needs to work on pronouncing speech sounds or words, the speech therapist will teach them ways to move their mouth muscles for clearer speech.
Some kids may not be ready to focus only on verbal communication. In these cases, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) is often the best route to go. AAC can include everything from a high-tech speech-generating device to a picture communication system or the use of signs. Research has shown that using AAC can help support verbal development in children with a speech delay. It does not prevent them from learning to talk.
Expressable is here to help
If you’re wondering if your child has a speech delay, reach out to us today. We provide online speech therapy to thousands of kids around the country.
We know that navigating the effects of a brain injury can feel worrisome. But rest assured, our licensed speech therapists can help. You can start by scheduling a free consult call with Expressable. It’s fast and simple, and you can ask questions and learn more about speech therapy for your child. If you decide you’d like to schedule an evaluation, you can do that during the call. Don’t hesitate–book your spot today!
