Temporal Lobe Injury

Overview

The temporal lobes play a key role in memory, language, hearing, and emotional regulation. When this area of the brain is damaged — whether through trauma, stroke, tumour, or surgery — it can lead to lasting difficulties with communication, memory, behaviour, and sensory processing.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults recovering from temporal lobe brain injury, helping individuals restore their independence, confidence, and quality of life.

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What Is a Temporal Lobe Injury?

A temporal lobe injury refers to damage affecting one or both temporal lobes, which are located on the sides of the brain near the ears. Common causes include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – including falls, road traffic collisions, or assault
• Stroke – particularly middle cerebral artery infarcts
• Brain tumours or cysts
• Epilepsy-related brain damage
• Surgical removal of tumours or epileptic foci
• Infections such as encephalitis or meningitis
• Hypoxic or anoxic brain injury

Temporal lobe injuries can affect either the dominant hemisphere (usually left-sided, impacting language and verbal memory) or the non-dominant hemisphere (often right-sided, affecting visual memory and spatial awareness).

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Symptoms Of Temporal Lobe Injury

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the injury, but commonly include:

1. Memory Difficulties

• Short-term memory loss
• Trouble forming new memories
• Confusion or disorientation
• Poor recall of conversations or tasks

2. Language and Communication Problems

• Receptive aphasia – difficulty understanding spoken or written words
• Word-finding difficulties
• Misnaming objects or people
• Inability to follow conversations

3. Emotional and Behavioural Changes

• Anxiety or mood swings
• Irritability or aggression
• Emotional blunting or indifference
• Reduced empathy or social awareness

4. Auditory and Sensory Processing Issues

• Difficulty processing sounds or music
• Auditory hallucinations
• Sensory overload or hypersensitivity

5. Visual or Spatial Awareness Deficits

• Trouble recognising faces (prosopagnosia)
• Difficulty navigating spaces

6. Seizures

• Temporal lobe epilepsy is a common complication
• May include déjà vu, automatisms, or unresponsiveness

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made using:

• MRI or CT brain imaging – to identify structural damage
• Neuropsychological assessment – to evaluate memory, attention, language, and emotional function
• EEG – in cases where seizures are suspected
• Multidisciplinary assessment – including physio, OT, and speech therapy input

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Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We offer tailored, inpatient neurorehabilitation designed to restore function and improve quality of life following temporal lobe injury.

Our Services Include:

Speech and Language Therapy

• Receptive and expressive language therapy
• Communication strategy training
• Reading, writing, and comprehension support
• Social communication therapy

Neuropsychology

• Memory rehabilitation
• Mood and behavioural therapy
• Support for emotional adjustment
• Family education and support

Occupational Therapy

• Memory aids and organisational strategies
• Activities of daily living (e.g. cooking, self-care)
• Support returning to hobbies or work
• Visual or spatial awareness therapy

Physiotherapy

• Balance and coordination training
• Fatigue and mobility management
• Support for co-existing physical impairments

Specialist Nursing Care

• Seizure monitoring
• Medication management
• 24/7 support with nutrition, hygiene, and daily needs

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Who We Help

We accept adults (18+) who have:

• Experienced a temporal lobe injury following trauma, stroke, or surgery
• Functional, memory, communication, or emotional challenges
• Been stabilised medically and are ready for inpatient rehabilitation
• Co-existing conditions such as epilepsy or post-traumatic stress

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to speak with our admissions team.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Expertise in complex brain injury rehabilitation
• Consultant-led neurorehab service
• Dedicated teams for psychology, speech therapy and memory care
• Peaceful, private environment ideal for recovery
• Inpatient therapy delivered up to 7 days per week