Optimal clinical pathway for adults with Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a form of acquired brain injury. Traumatic Brain Injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain.

The symptoms, disability and co-morbidities of people with TBI are highly heterogeneous: they vary widely from person to person. An integrated care pathway, tailored to current local and regional staffing and infrastructure, is needed to deliver accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment at all stages during a TBI patient’s care at the level of pathology, impairment and function.

The development of the optimal clinical pathway was overseen by NNAG and led by a working group of TBI specialist healthcare professionals, including representatives from the Association of British Neurologists (ABN).  The pathway sets out what good treatment, care and support looks like. A public consultation was held to gather input, views and experience from people with neurological conditions and wider stakeholders.

 Download the optimal clinical pathway for adults with TBI here

*The pathway was updated in September 2023 to include the implementation of the NICE guidance, including on early diagnosis and treatment of hypopituitarism, as a potential solution to the lack of recognition of post-traumatic brain injury sequelae and their management in clinical practice.

To support the development of the pathway the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF), with the support of The Neurological Alliance, facilitated patient focus groups to understand the views of people with lived experience.  You can read a summary report here.