Brain injury rehabilitation in adults

Acquired brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that more than 100 out of every 100,000 people have a traumatic brain injury that results in difficulties that persist beyond one year after the injury.

Remit and target users

This guideline provides recommendations on post-acute assessment for adults over 16 years of age with brain injuries and interventions for cognitive, communicative, emotional, behavioural and physical rehabilitation. Evidence is also presented on patient outcomes such as optimal models and settings of care, the benefits of discharge planning and the applicability of telemedicine.

This guideline will be of interest to people who have a responsibility for the management of adults with brain injuries in primary, secondary, tertiary or independent health care or the voluntary sector. It is also applicable to staff who may refer patients to brain injury rehabilitation services and to individuals with personal experience of brain injury.

How this guideline was developed

This guideline was developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook.

Keeping up to date

This guideline was issued in 2013 and considered for review in 2016 at which time it was endorsed as current The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, will be noted in the review report.

Some recommendations may be out of date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.