Narrative discourse therapy for patients in post-traumatic amnesia: a feasibility study.

Abstract

Development of a treatment protocol targeting narrative discourse skills for people in post-traumatic amnesia following traumatic brain injury. Little is known about the feasibility and potential benefits of providing speech therapy to patients early after traumatic brain injury (TBI), while they are still in post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). In Australia it is often delayed until someone emerges from post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). Recent physiotherapy and occupational studies have found a positive impact on recovery for PTA patients, without increasing agitation. This is an ongoing study but initial results of the first 6 patients found thy were able to sustain and actively participate in therapy sessions targeting narrative course, participation did not lead to agitation, patients gave positive feedback, reported enjoying the therapy and following structured narrative therapy patients in PTA were able to construct a well-rounded story on a self generated/provided topic.