Concussions: Interdisciplinary Management

This issue addresses mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the adult population. Outstanding specialists in a variety of disciplines discuss the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cognitive-linguistic, balance, and behavior assessment as well as short- and long-term management practices following a sports-related concussion and mTBI . One should consider the variety of amateur sports activities that adults in the United States participate in: club soccer, community baseball and softball leagues, touch football leagues, rugby clubs, ATV, basketball leagues, lacrosse, swimming, and officiating/umpiring these games. All of these activities put an individual at an increased risk for a concussion and potential short- and long-term dysfunctions that may impact their academic, employment, and social activities.

The rationale for addressing this topic encompasses the injury as a growing national health problem, increased public awareness, and the need for graduate students and practicing speech-language pathologist to familiarize themselves with the latest information about this significant health issue. This issue includes the work of speech-language pathologists, kinesiologists, physical therapists, a biochemist, researchers, and several graduates.

I would like to thank each of the authors for their contribution. Special thanks to Dr. Heather Harris Wright for shepherding this effort. I hope the information in this issue will provide the reader with basic knowledge and inspiration to participate in the growth of the knowledge needed to properly diagnose, treat, and prevent mTBI.