Frontal Lobe Brain Injury

Overview

The frontal lobes are responsible for some of the most complex and important functions of the human brain — including decision-making, behaviour, problem-solving, movement, and personality. An injury to this region can lead to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that often require specialist inpatient rehabilitation.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide comprehensive neurorehabilitation for adults with frontal lobe brain injuries following trauma, stroke, tumour, surgery, or other neurological events. Our consultant-led inpatient care is delivered by a full multidisciplinary team with experience in complex neurological recovery.

---

What Is a Frontal Lobe Brain Injury?

Frontal lobe brain injury refers to damage to one or both of the frontal lobes of the brain — located behind the forehead. These injuries may result from:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – falls, road traffic accidents, assaults
• Stroke – particularly ischaemic strokes affecting the anterior cerebral arteries
• Brain tumours
• Surgical intervention or neurosurgical complications
• Infections or inflammation (e.g. encephalitis)
• Hypoxia or anoxic brain injury
• Degenerative conditions, such as frontotemporal dementia

The symptoms vary significantly depending on the area and extent of damage.

---

Symptoms of Frontal Lobe Brain Injury

The frontal lobes control a wide array of voluntary and executive functions. Damage can affect:

1. Motor Function

• Weakness or paralysis (usually on one side)
• Poor coordination or slowed movement
• Gait abnormalities
• Difficulty with fine motor skills

2. Cognition & Executive Function

• Poor judgement or decision-making
• Impulsivity or risk-taking behaviour
• Difficulty planning or organising
• Problems with concentration and attention
• Reduced mental flexibility
• Poor short-term memory

3. Emotional & Behavioural Changes

• Loss of inhibition
• Emotional lability (sudden mood swings)
• Irritability or aggression
• Apathy or lack of motivation
• Socially inappropriate behaviour

4. Speech & Language

• Expressive aphasia (difficulty speaking)
• Difficulty with word finding or fluency
• Monotone or flat affect in speech

5. Other Effects

• Fatigue and low energy
• Difficulty with sleep regulation
• Loss of insight into deficits

---

Diagnosis

Frontal lobe injury is usually diagnosed via:

• MRI or CT brain scans – to identify the site and extent of injury
• Neuropsychological assessment – to evaluate thinking, memory and emotional functioning
• Multidisciplinary clinical assessment – including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech and language input

---

Rehabilitation At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We offer a structured, inpatient programme for adults recovering from frontal lobe injury. Rehabilitation is tailored to the person’s goals, functional level and emotional wellbeing.

Our Services Include:

Physiotherapy

• Mobility and balance retraining
• Postural re-education and core strengthening
• Fatigue management and pacing strategies

Occupational Therapy

• Executive functioning support (planning, organisation)
• Activities of daily living (e.g. dressing, cooking, self-care)
• Behavioural management and routine building
• Assistive technology and home adaptation planning

Speech & Language Therapy

• Communication therapy (word-finding, fluency)
• Cognitive-communication strategies
• Social interaction rehabilitation

Neuropsychology

• Emotional support and behavioural therapy
• Adjustment to injury and identity changes
• Memory and attention training
• Goal setting and coping skills

Specialist Nursing

• 24/7 care for medication, skin integrity, and nutrition
• Continence support and fatigue monitoring
• Support for any co-existing conditions (e.g. diabetes, seizures)

---

Who We Support

We welcome referrals for adults (18+) who have:

• Experienced a frontal lobe injury due to stroke, trauma or surgery
• Functional or cognitive difficulties requiring inpatient rehabilitation
• Behavioural or emotional challenges needing structured support
• Goals around mobility, independence or return to work/social activity

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online for referral guidance.

---

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Experts in complex brain injury rehabilitation
• Consultant-led neurorehabilitation team
• Inpatient therapy up to 7 days per week
• Psychological and behavioural therapy integrated into care
• Calm, supportive environment with private ensuite rooms