Sensory and communication disorders in traumatic brain injury

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often present with a constellation of symptoms that may interact, persist, and exacerbate if untreated [1-7]. Recently, clinicians have noted that auditory, vestibular, and visual symptoms were frequently reported by combat returnees during their clinical evaluation and treatment [8-12]. These sensory issues are likely to negatively affect the ability of individuals with TBI to process cognitive information and perform daily tasks such as communication and ambulation. While researchers are still investigating the effects of sensory and communication disorders on rehabilitation outcome, preliminary data have shown that dual sensory impairment may adversely influence functional outcome in patients with TBI [10]