What therapies are included in ABI rehabilitation?

Our ABI rehabilitation programmes include neurological physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and specialist nursing. Each patient receives an individually tailored plan developed by our multidisciplinary team.

What is the difference between a brain injury and a stroke?

A stroke is one specific cause of acquired brain injury, caused by a disruption of blood supply to the brain (ischaemic or haemorrhagic). The term acquired brain injury is broader and encompasses traumatic brain injuries, hypoxic injuries, infections, tumours and other non-vascular causes.

Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation London | Ascot Rehab

Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Specialist care for
acquired brain
injury

Q: What causes an acquired brain injury?

Traumatic ABIs result from an external force to the head — most commonly road traffic accidents, falls, assaults and sports injuries. Non-traumatic ABIs are caused by internal events including oxygen deprivation (hypoxic-anoxic injury), infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, brain tumours, and toxic exposure.

Q: How long does ABI rehabilitation take?

Recovery timelines vary significantly depending on injury severity, the areas of brain affected, and the individual's age and pre-injury health. Inpatient programmes at Ascot Rehab typically range from 4 to 24 weeks, with ongoing outpatient or community rehabilitation thereafter.

Q: Can I self-refer to Ascot Rehab for ABI rehabilitation?

Yes. Ascot Rehab accepts self-referrals as well as GP, consultant, case manager and medico-legal referrals. International patients are also welcome. Contact our admissions team on 020 8149 4544 to discuss suitability and arrange an assessment.

Q: Is outpatient ABI rehabilitation available?

Yes. Alongside inpatient admission, we offer outpatient and community outreach rehabilitation for patients who are medically stable and living at home but still require structured, specialist input. Our outpatient programmes deliver the same consultant-led, MDT approach as inpatient care.

Q: How do I make a referral for ABI rehabilitation?

Call 020 8149 4544 or email info@ascotrehab.com. We accept GP, consultant, case manager, medico-legal and self-referrals — UK and international patients welcome. You can also submit a referral online via our website.

Ascot Rehab delivers CARF-accredited, consultant-led rehabilitation for adults living with acquired brain injury — across inpatient, outpatient and community outreach settings. Our multidisciplinary programmes are aligned to BSRM and NICE guidelines and individually tailored from day one.

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3+ hrs

therapy per day
as standard

specialist disciplines
in our MDT

CARF

accredited
rehabilitation

Accredited & Recognised By

Occupational therapy supporting independence after brain injury at Ascot Rehab

Understanding Acquired Brain Injury

Brain damage that occurs
after birth — from any cause.

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is any injury to the brain that occurs after birth and is not hereditary, congenital or degenerative. It encompasses both traumatic causes — such as road traffic accidents, falls, assaults and sports injuries — and non-traumatic causes including oxygen deprivation, encephalitis, tumours and toxic exposure.

ABI is one of the leading causes of disability in the UK. Approximately 1.4 million people attend emergency departments each year with a head injury, and an estimated 500,000 people are currently living with long-term disability as a result of brain injury. Early access to specialist neurorehabilitation is the single most important factor in determining long-term outcomes.

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Types of Acquired Brain Injury

Three broad categories. One specialist team.

Type 01 · Most common

Traumatic Brain Injury

Caused by an external force to the head, traumatic brain injury (TBI) ranges from mild concussion to severe injury resulting in prolonged unconsciousness. Common causes include road traffic accidents, falls from height and assaults. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring movement, cognition and independence.

Type 02 · Oxygen deprivation

Hypoxic–Anoxic Brain Injury

Occurring when the brain is starved of oxygen — through cardiac arrest, near-drowning, or respiratory failure — hypoxic-anoxic injury can cause widespread neurological damage affecting memory, movement and behaviour. Rehabilitation intensity and goal-setting are tailored to the diffuse nature of this injury.

Type 03 · Internal cause

Non-traumatic — illness & disease

Brain injuries resulting from tumours, infections (meningitis, encephalitis), toxic exposure or metabolic disturbance fall within this category. Presentation and rehabilitation needs vary considerably depending on the location and extent of neurological damage, requiring a highly individualised MDT approach.

The ABI Rehabilitation Pathway

Assess

A thorough consultant-led assessment on admission establishes baseline function across physical, cognitive, communication and psychological domains — forming the foundation of the rehabilitation plan.

Build

The MDT — including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and neuropsychologists — builds a structured, goal-directed programme aligned to what matters most to the patient.

Intensify

Evidence strongly supports intensive rehabilitation in the early recovery window. Patients typically receive over three hours of therapy per day, delivered across multiple disciplines to maximise neuroplasticity.

Reintegrate

Discharge planning begins on day one. Our team works with the patient, family and community services to ensure a safe, supported transition — with outpatient and outreach follow-up available to sustain progress at home.

Acquired Brain Injury in the UK

A hidden epidemic. A treatable one.

1.4M

A&E Attendances Per Year

Around 1.4 million people attend emergency departments in England and Wales each year with a head injury — the majority of whom are discharged with little follow-up. NHS England, 2024

500k

Living with Long-term Disability

An estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a significant long-term disability as a direct result of acquired brain injury, many without access to ongoing specialist support. Headway, 2024

67%

Cognitive Impact Rate

Up to two-thirds of people who sustain a moderate to severe brain injury experience significant and lasting cognitive changes, including difficulties with memory, attention, processing and executive function. BSRM, 2023

3×

Better Outcomes with Specialist Rehab

Patients who access specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation are up to three times more likely to return home and regain independence than those treated in general settings. Cochrane Review, 2023

Intensive acquired brain injury rehabilitation using specialist equipment at Ascot Rehab London

The Evidence

Intensity and early intervention
change outcomes.

BSRM and NICE guidelines recommend early, intensive, goal-directed rehabilitation for all adults with acquired brain injury. Research consistently shows that specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation reduces long-term disability, shortens the care pathway and significantly improves rates of community reintegration compared to general ward care.

Effects of Acquired Brain Injury

Brain injury affects every person differently.

Effect 01

Cognitive Impairment

Difficulties with memory, attention, concentration, processing speed and executive function are among the most common consequences of ABI. Our neuropsychologists and cognitive rehabilitation specialists design structured programmes to rebuild these functions and develop compensatory strategies for daily life.

Effect 02

Physical Disability

Weakness, spasticity, loss of coordination and balance impairment are frequent following moderate to severe ABI. Neurological physiotherapists use hands-on techniques, technology-assisted therapy and exercise prescription to restore movement, reduce falls risk and maximise functional independence.

Effect 03

Communication Difficulties

Aphasia, dysarthria and cognitive-communication disorders affect a significant proportion of ABI survivors, impacting the ability to speak, understand, read and write. Our speech and language therapists work intensively with patients and families to rebuild communication and support participation in the rehabilitation process.

Effect 04

Post-ABI Fatigue

Neurological fatigue — a profound exhaustion that is not relieved by rest — is one of the most disabling and frequently overlooked consequences of ABI. Our team educates patients in fatigue management strategies and builds therapy schedules that balance intensity with recovery to prevent setbacks.

Effect 05

Emotional & Behavioural Changes

Depression, anxiety, irritability, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation are common following brain injury due to damage to the frontal and limbic systems. Neuropsychological support — alongside family education and, where appropriate, medication review — forms a core part of holistic ABI rehabilitation at Ascot Rehab.

Effect 06

Sensory & Perceptual Disturbance

Visual neglect, altered sensation, loss of smell or taste, and perceptual difficulties can significantly impact safety and independence after ABI. Occupational therapists and specialist nursing staff assess and address these issues through targeted intervention and adaptive equipment provision.

Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation FAQ

Common questions answered.

Can't find your answer? Call us on 020 8149 4544 — our admissions team will guide you from first enquiry to admission.

What is acquired brain injury?

An acquired brain injury is any injury to the brain that occurs after birth and is not hereditary or congenital. It includes both traumatic causes (accidents, falls, assaults) and non-traumatic causes such as hypoxia, encephalitis, tumours and toxic exposure.

What causes an acquired brain injury?

Traumatic ABIs result from a direct force to the head — most commonly road traffic accidents and falls. Non-traumatic ABIs arise from internal events including cardiac arrest, infections, brain tumours and metabolic disturbance. Each has distinct rehabilitation implications.

How long does ABI rehabilitation take?

Recovery timelines depend on injury severity, areas of the brain affected, and the individual's age and health. Inpatient programmes at Ascot Rehab typically range from 4 to 24 weeks, with outpatient or community rehabilitation continuing thereafter.

What therapies are included?

Our ABI programmes include neurological physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation and specialist nursing. Hydrotherapy and assistive technology are also available. Each plan is tailored to the individual's goals.

Can I self-refer to Ascot Rehab?

Yes. Ascot Rehab accepts self-referrals as well as GP, consultant, case manager and medico-legal referrals. International patients are also welcome. Contact our admissions team on 020 8149 4544 to discuss suitability and arrange an initial assessment.

Is outpatient ABI rehabilitation available?

Yes. For patients who are medically stable and living at home, we offer structured outpatient and community outreach rehabilitation. Our outpatient programmes deliver the same consultant-led, MDT approach as inpatient care, with scheduling designed around the patient's home routine.

What is the difference between ABI and stroke?

A stroke is one specific cause of acquired brain injury — caused by disruption of blood supply to the brain (ischaemic or haemorrhagic). ABI is a broader term encompassing traumatic brain injuries, hypoxic injuries, infections, tumours and other non-vascular causes. Ascot Rehab treats both.

How do I make a referral?

Call 020 8149 4544 or email info@ascotrehab.com. We accept GP, consultant, case manager, medico-legal and self-referrals — UK and international patients welcome.

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