Neuro-rehabilitation

What does neuro-rehabilitation do?
‘Rehabilitation aims to reduce the impact of (brain) injury by restoration of damaged function, or compensation for lost function, within the limitations of underlying disease, to optimise physical, cognitive, psychological and social function.’ (Seeley & Hutchinson, 2006)

What do we know?
From adult studies of traumatic brain injury:
Better access to neuro-rehabilitation associated with better outcomes means people:

are more likely to be discharged home
have a shorter hospital stay
have better functional outcome which was maintained after period of rehabilitation has ended *
decreases levels of distress of carers *

* This is is the main focus of our charitable work and where we add value to existing NHS provision.

Additionally, the outcome of a paediatric acquired brain injury is related to family function, economic factors and social support. Neuro-rehabilitation is therefore not just about physiotherapy, occupational therapy ,speech and language therapy etc. Children, young people and their families need lots of ongoing support during the neuro-rehabilitation journey; and for long after the usual therapy interventions have ended.

Neuro-rehabilitation is most effective if:

It is delivered by a coordinated multi-disciplinary team with an interdisciplinary approach

There is goal setting and assessment

There is a key worker to communicate and provide advocacy for the child and the family

It is individually tailored to need

Is seamless

It is meaningful and delivered in relevant context

An appropriate level of therapy and support is provided

Access to suitable educational provision is available

Psychological needs are addressed

It involves and supports the family

Post discharge is where these very vulnerable children are most at risk of not receiving the help and support they need, due to a lack of understanding of their hidden disabilities. Working in partnership with parents and professionals, we coordinate the ongoing needs of brain injured children and young people across a range of community organisations; ensuring their ongoing and often changing needs continue to be met. Without us, this does not happen and the needs of this vulnerable cohort often go unrecognised and unsupported.

"Our 10 year study proves that family-led home-based neuro-rehab interventions deliver the best outcomes for children and young people"

Lucia Braga; Brazil

"New parenting support intervention showed how parenting style is related to executive dysfunction in children and young people post brain injury. With support parents cope better so the child has a better recovery"

Andrea Palacio-Navarro; Spain

"Children and young people have poor social competence post brain injury due to reduced cognition, executive functions, and emotional control. As a result they are twice as likely to have mental health issues in the future"

James Tonks; University of London

"Case management for children and young people post acquired brain injury is 'pivotal' to successful outcomes and must be local"

Deborah Andrews; New Zealand

"When someone has a brain injury, early access to local, specialist rehabilitation is crucial to ensure the maximum recovery and make significant savings to the state in health costs"

Headway; United Kingdom

"More play increases brain plasticity and makes for better recovery post brain injury"

Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada

"Brain development is complex and prolonged. Brain plasticity is influenced by a range of factors. Plasticity provides a base for neuro-rehab therapies and treatment"

Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada

"Strength-based family intervention after pediatric ABI is essential. Parents need to be equipped with the skills to cope and advocate for the child."

Caron Gan; Canada

"Rehabilitation interventions can lead to positive outcomes for children and their families if delivered in the familiar home environment and applied to everyday situations"

Cerebra; United Kingdom

"Pediatric neuro-rehabilitation cannot be delivered in isolation. The needs of the child have to be looked at both holistically and within the context of the family unit. Parents need to be empowered to be parents in post-acute pediatric neuro-rehabilitation following brain injury"

The Children's Trust; United Kingdom

OUR MISSION: To work to remove (health) inequalities for children & young people affected by acquired brain injury; and provide effective support to their families that makes a real difference.