Neuroinflammation

Neuroinflammation is the body’s immune response within the brain and spinal cord, often triggered by events such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or central nervous system (CNS) infection. While inflammation plays a key role in tissue repair, prolonged or excessive neuroinflammation may lead to delayed recovery or the development of long-term neurological symptoms.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we support adult patients experiencing complex post-injury symptoms linked to neuroinflammation — including cognitive difficulties, fatigue, functional neurological symptoms, and emotional dysregulation. Our inpatient neurorehabilitation centre provides personalised therapy to help restore function, independence, and quality of life.

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What Causes Neuroinflammation?

Neuroinflammation may follow:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Stroke or cerebral haemorrhage
• Brain infection (e.g. encephalitis or meningitis)
• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions affecting the CNS
• Prolonged hypoxia or metabolic injury
• Long COVID or post-viral syndromes

In some cases, even mild injury or infection can trigger inflammation that lingers in the brain’s immune environment — leading to changes in neural function that persist long after initial healing.

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Common Symptoms of Post-Injury Neuroinflammation

Symptoms vary, but often include:

• Cognitive difficulties (brain fog, memory issues, slowed thinking)
• Persistent fatigue unrelieved by rest
• Emotional volatility, anxiety or low mood
• Poor stress tolerance or sensory overload
• Functional neurological symptoms (e.g. tremors, numbness, weakness)
• Post-exertional malaise
• Sleep disruption and unrefreshing sleep

These symptoms may mimic or overlap with conditions such as Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), post-concussion syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

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Inpatient Rehabilitation Approach

At Royal Bucks, we provide holistic inpatient rehabilitation for adults experiencing delayed neurological recovery after illness or injury — especially when linked to post-inflammatory effects.

Our team-based support includes:

• Neurophysiotherapy to address balance, coordination, and motor function
• Occupational therapy focused on fatigue management, pacing and sensory regulation
• Neuropsychology to support emotional wellbeing, memory strategies, and adjustment
• Education and goal-setting to empower self-management
• Therapeutic structure to rebuild stamina and daily routine tolerance

We specialise in helping patients with invisible or medically unexplained symptoms to regain independence and confidence — even when standard investigations show no clear abnormality.

Explore Our Inpatient Rehabilitation Centre
Learn About Functional Neurological Disorder

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When to Consider Inpatient Neurorehabilitation

Inpatient support may be beneficial if:

• You are experiencing ongoing symptoms after brain injury or illness
• Investigations are inconclusive, but symptoms persist
• Fatigue, confusion, or emotional changes affect your independence
• You are struggling to return to work, education or daily life
• You’ve developed functional symptoms or fear of activity

Our specialist unit provides a calm, structured environment with coordinated care from physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses.