Acute Brain Injury

What is acute brain injury?

An acute brain injury refers to a sudden injury to the brain, often caused by trauma (such as a fall or accident), stroke, infection, or a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). It can affect how the brain communicates with the body, leading to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. These injuries can vary from mild to severe and may impact a person’s ability to move, think, speak, or feel as they did before.

What causes acute brain injury?

Common causes of acute brain injury include:

Traumatic head injuries (falls, road accidents, sports injuries)
Strokes (caused by a clot or bleed in the brain)
Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
Oxygen deprivation during events like cardiac arrest or near-drowning
Brain surgery or complications during medical procedures

What does acute brain injury feel like?

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the area and severity of the injury. People may experience:

Muscle weakness or stiffness, often on one side of the body
Balance and coordination problems
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Difficulty speaking or understanding words
Changes in mood or behaviour
Pain, tingling, or altered sensation in affected limbs
Many people also report feeling frustrated, anxious, or overwhelmed as they adjust to changes in their body or abilities.

How can physio help?

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in rehabilitation after an acute brain injury. It helps:

Improve mobility and strength
Restore balance and coordination
Retrain movement patterns through repetition and specific exercises
Build confidence after a loss of function
Support recovery of independence in daily activities
It’s also an important part of reducing complications such as joint stiffness, muscle shortening, and pressure injuries.

What treatment will Village Physio do?

At Village Physio, we provide specialist home-based neurological physiotherapy. Depending on your needs, we may offer:

Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
Gait re-education to improve walking
Balance training and core stability work
Functional movement practice, such as standing up, transferring, or reaching
Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve comfort
Education for family and carers to help support recovery between sessions

What can I do to reduce my discomfort whilst I wait for an appointment?

Try gentle movement of affected limbs if safe, or assist with movement to reduce stiffness
Change positions regularly—avoid lying or sitting in one position for too long
Use supportive seating or cushions to maintain good posture and avoid discomfort
Stay hydrated and nourished to support healing
Engage the mind with reading, listening to music, or conversation—even small mental activities can aid recovery
Involve carers or family in safe, supported activity, such as assisted sitting or light movement