Brain Contusion

Overview

A brain contusion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results in localised bruising of brain tissue. It is typically caused by a direct blow to the head, often during a fall, road traffic collision, or assault. The damage can lead to bleeding, swelling, and a range of neurological impairments that may affect thinking, movement, speech, or behaviour.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we specialise in the inpatient rehabilitation of adults recovering from brain contusions. Our multidisciplinary team supports recovery through neurorehabilitation tailored to the individual’s cognitive, physical, and emotional needs.

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What Is a Brain Contusion?

A brain contusion is a bruise on the brain, where capillaries or small blood vessels are damaged due to trauma. This bleeding causes swelling (cerebral oedema) and pressure in the surrounding brain tissue.

Contusions most commonly affect the frontal and temporal lobes, and may occur alongside:

• Skull fractures
• Intracranial haemorrhages
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
• Post-traumatic epilepsy

Some contusions are mild and resolve with time, but more severe injuries may lead to long-term impairments requiring rehabilitation.

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Causes of Brain Contusion

Brain contusions usually result from:

• Falls, especially in older adults
• Road traffic collisions
• Sports-related head injuries
• Assaults or blunt force trauma
• Penetrating injuries (e.g. shrapnel, bone fragments)

In some cases, contrecoup injuries occur — where the brain is injured on the opposite side from the impact, due to the brain rebounding against the skull.

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Symptoms of Brain Contusion

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the injury, but may include:

Physical Symptoms

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Loss of coordination

Cognitive Symptoms

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed thinking or problem-solving
• Reduced awareness or confusion

Emotional & Behavioural Changes

• Irritability or mood swings
• Depression or anxiety
• Apathy or lack of motivation
• Reduced impulse control or inappropriate behaviour

Speech & Language

• Slurred speech
• Difficulty finding words or understanding language

Seizures

• Some patients may develop post-traumatic epilepsy

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made in an acute hospital setting using:

• CT or MRI scans – to detect bleeding, swelling, or secondary injuries
• Neurological examination – to assess level of consciousness, strength, reflexes, and sensory function
• Neuropsychological assessment – after the acute phase, to evaluate memory, attention, behaviour, and mood

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Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Once medically stable, patients can begin inpatient neurorehabilitation at Royal Bucks. Our goal is to help individuals recover function, regain independence, and improve their quality of life.

Our Services Include:

Physiotherapy

• Mobility and strength training
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Gait retraining
• Spasticity management

Occupational Therapy

• Self-care rehabilitation
• Memory and organisational support
• Fine motor and upper limb rehabilitation
• Cognitive rehabilitation strategies

Speech & Language Therapy

• Communication support
• Language and fluency retraining
• Swallowing assessment (if required)
• Social skills and confidence building

Neuropsychology

• Support for behavioural changes
• Mood and adjustment counselling
• Executive function and attention therapy
• Family education and support

Specialist Nursing

• 24/7 clinical monitoring and medication management
• Skin care, continence, and nutritional support
• Monitoring for seizures or complications

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Who We Support

We accept adults (18+) who have:

• Experienced a brain contusion due to trauma
• Cognitive, physical, or emotional challenges post-injury
• Been stabilised medically and are ready for rehabilitation
• Additional neurological complications such as epilepsy or spasticity

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to discuss a referral.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Specialist in brain injury and stroke rehabilitation
• Consultant-led inpatient neurorehabilitation
• Multidisciplinary therapy up to 7 days a week
• Calm, private environment with ensuite rooms
• Comprehensive discharge and family planning support