A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a form of acquired brain injury caused by a sudden impact, blow, or force to the head. TBIs can occur because of a wide range of different events, including road traffic accidents, falls, sports injuries such as football or rugby injuries, workplace accidents, or assaults.
Traumatic brain injury can range in severity from a mild ‘concussion’ to severe brain damage requiring long-term rehabilitation and specialist support. Whilst some injuries are immediately evident and would require an immediate visit to A&E, others may only become apparent when symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial head injury.
TBIs are often complex and affect individuals differently. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and receiving the right specialist assessment, diagnosis, and treatment is important for recovery and the best long-term outcomes.
At UCLH Private Healthcare, we have comprehensive expertise on site to diagnose and treat adults with persistent problems after a suspected or confirmed traumatic brain injury. This includes the late consequences sometimes seen after a TBI or repeated blows to the head, like post-traumatic dementia.
Signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury
If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury or concussion, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Double or blurred vision
- Balance or coordination problems
- Confusion or memory difficulties
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in personality (such as increased irritability or low mood)
- Fatigue or excessive drowsiness
It can be important consult a health professional promptly to make sure there are no head injury complications that require emergency treatment (see the NHS guidance on which symptoms are of particular concern).
However, if you have persistent symptoms and have already seen an A&E doctor or your GP, you may wish to book an expert assessment at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Diagnosis of traumatic brain injury
Our specialists use a range of advanced techniques to help assess and diagnose brain injury and its consequences. This may include one or more of the following:
Expert neurology consultations
You will have a consultation with highly specialised neurologists experienced in traumatic brain injury and sports related concussion. They will review your medical history, lifestyle, and the circumstances of your injury to create a personalised treatment plan.
MRI scanning
At The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, we use a state-of-the-art 3T MRI scanner, providing higher image resolution and clearer detail than scanners in most hospitals. This allows our specialist neuroradiologists, who interpret the scans, to identify subtle brain changes that may be associated with traumatic brain injury.
Neurofilament light testing
While MRI scans show structural changes, blood neurofilament light tests can help quantify the extent of axonal injury (a type of nerve damage). These tests can be informative two to four weeks after injury, including following concussion.
Specialist TBI neuropsychology service
Our dedicated neuropsychology team provides detailed assessments of memory, executive function and processing speed, helping to clarify the effects of a TBI on the brain.
Treatment for traumatic brain injury
An accurate diagnosis is key to identifying the most appropriate treatment pathway. Our consultant neurologists will assess and prioritise your symptoms, addressing each aspect of your condition in a structured and individualised way.
Treatment for traumatic brain injury or concussion depends on severity but always focuses on your specific symptoms and goals. This may include:
· Prescribed medications – for example migraine preventative treatments or stimulant medication for persistent fatigue
· Cognitive strategies – such as sleep programmes or targeted treatment for anxiety or depression
· Neurorehabilitation – including physiotherapy, occupational therapy or vestibular rehabilitation (working on your balance)
· Psychological therapy or psychiatric input, where appropriate
Your treatment plan should be reviewed and refined over time to ensure it continues to meet your needs as you recover.
Support from experts in neurological care
As part of a large academic teaching hospital, we also collaborate closely with specialist teams across the neurosciences. For example, patients who develop seizures following a traumatic brain injury can be referred directly to our epilepsy specialists.
All staff at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery are experts in neurosciences – from neuroradiologists and consultant neurologists to therapists and rehabilitation professionals – ensuring that any treatment recommended is delivered with the highest level of specialist expertise.
