Neuroinflammation

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Overview

Neuroinflammation refers to inflammation within the brain and central nervous system. After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing process—but in some cases, it can persist or become harmful, contributing to long-term complications.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide consultant-led inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults with complex brain injury, including symptoms related to chronic neuroinflammation. Our goal is to support recovery and improve quality of life through personalised rehabilitation.

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What Causes Neuroinflammation?

Following a brain injury—such as concussion, haemorrhage, or skull fracture—immune cells in the brain (called microglia and astrocytes) become activated. This initial inflammation helps remove damaged tissue and start healing.

However, in some individuals, this immune response becomes prolonged or excessive, leading to:

• Disruption of normal brain function
• Secondary injury to healthy brain cells
• Worsening of cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms

Neuroinflammation may also be triggered or worsened by infections, repeated injury, or autoimmune conditions.

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Symptoms of Neuroinflammation After Brain Injury

Chronic or excessive neuroinflammation may lead to a range of symptoms, often overlapping with other brain injury effects:

Cognitive Symptoms

• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating or multitasking
• Slowed thinking
• Brain fog or reduced mental clarity

Emotional and Behavioural Changes

• Increased irritability or mood swings
• Depression or anxiety
• Emotional sensitivity
• Fatigue and reduced motivation

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches
• Poor coordination or balance
• Sensory sensitivity (light, noise)
• Worsening of existing neurological deficits

In some cases, ongoing neuroinflammation may also increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases or post-traumatic epilepsy.

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Diagnosis

There is currently no single test to diagnose neuroinflammation. Instead, it is often identified through a combination of:

• Clinical symptoms and neurological examination
• MRI scans (showing changes in brain structure or activity)
• Blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of inflammation (in research or specialist settings)
• Neuropsychological assessment to track changes in cognitive function

Understanding the pattern of symptoms helps shape the rehabilitation plan.

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Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We specialise in complex brain injury rehabilitation, including cases with suspected or confirmed neuroinflammatory symptoms. Our inpatient programmes are tailored to each individual’s needs, focusing on restoring function, improving cognition, and managing fatigue.

Our multidisciplinary care includes:

Physiotherapy

• Movement and balance re-training
• Muscle control and coordination
• Energy conservation and pacing strategies
• Pain and spasticity management (if present)

Occupational Therapy

• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Support with daily tasks and routines
• Advice on fatigue management and sensory triggers
• Return-to-work and community re-engagement planning

Neuropsychology

• Cognitive testing and behavioural support
• Therapy for anxiety, low mood or emotional adjustment
• Strategies to manage irritability and motivation loss
• Support for families and carers

Speech and Language Therapy

• Communication support (if relevant)
• Word-finding and memory strategies
• Help with cognitive-communication deficits

Specialist Nursing Care

• 24-hour care and medication support
• Monitoring of neurological changes
• Nutritional, continence and skin integrity care

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Who We Help

We support adults (18+) who:

• Are recovering from moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
• Are experiencing persistent cognitive, physical or emotional symptoms
• May have suspected or known post-injury neuroinflammation
• Require coordinated, multidisciplinary inpatient care

Contact our team at 01296 678800 or enquire online.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Decades of experience in complex neurorehabilitation
• Consultant-led inpatient programmes
• Therapy delivered 7 days a week
• Calm, private environment tailored for recovery
• Support for families and long-term discharge planning