Traumatic Brain Injury

Around one million people visit A&E each year following a head injury. While the majority of these people will experience no lasting effects, many others will be left with a TBI that can have devastating and lifelong effects.

TBI is an injury to the brain caused by a trauma to the head (head injury). There are many possible causes, including road traffic accidents, assaults, falls and accidents at home or at work.

A brief period of unconsciousness, or just feeling sick and dizzy, may result from a person banging their head getting into the car, walking into the top of a low door way, or slipping over in the street. It is estimated that 75-80% of all head injuries fall into this category.

A moderate head injury is defined as loss of consciousness for between 15 minutes and six hours, or a period of post-traumatic amnesia of up to 24 hours. The patient can be kept in hospital overnight for observation, and then discharged if there are no further obvious medical injuries. Patients with moderate head injury are likely to suffer from a number of residual symptoms.

Severe head injury is usually defined as being a condition where the patient has been in an unconscious state for six hours or more, or a post-traumatic amnesia of 24 hours or more. These patients are likely to be hospitalised and receive rehabilitation once the acute phase has passed. Depending on the length of time in coma, these patients tend to have more serious physical deficits. (Headway. 2018)

Survivors of TBI’s are often left with life-long cognitive, physical, sensory, behavioural or emotional consequences that impact on every aspect of their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Recovery and the benefits of rehabilitation are unpredictable, but therapy and the correct support will reduce the long-term consequences for individuals and their families.

Rehabilitation can be provided in the community, in rehabilitation units or as an out-patient and should be provided by a skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team (MDT). The MDT will normally consist of therapists, doctors, nurses and support staff. In some cases, survivors may require placement in suitable residential or nursing homes and receive continuing NHS healthcare funding.

Latest

INS face-to-face services suspended

Following recent developments in efforts to tackle the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a decision has been made to stop INS face-to-face services until further notice.
News article

Following recent developments in efforts to tackle the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a decision has been made to stop INS face-to-face services until further notice. However, we continue to support our clients through both video and phone contact.... Over 150 people, including then Twickenham MP Sir Vince Cable, and the Mayors of the London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Hounslow, joined service users, staff and volunteers at York House for INS 25th Anniversary event on 17 October 2019....
INS Newsletter

Find out how to support INS as our staff and clients take part in the 2.6 Challenge - from a 2.6 mile run to 26-line poem! Show your support by clicking the Donate button at the top of the page.
INS Case for Support

Find out why INS exists, how we respond to people's needs, and the hugely positive impact that we have.

What is a neurological condition?

A neurological condition is a disease, illness or trauma that affects the central or peripheral nervous system. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, tremor, cognitive difficulties, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness.
Where we work

Integrated Neurological Services (INS) provides support to people who live in the London boroughs of Richmond, Hounslow, Kingston and Wandsworth. If people live just out of these boroughs but can get to us we may still be able to offer some support.
What difference we make

INS can be the difference between living and just existing.
Donate

Your donation can make a difference to the lives of people with a neurological condition. Donate, hold an event, take part in a challenge - whatever you can do will make a difference.
Working for INS

Come and join our team.
History of INS

INS is the only organisation in the London area offering long term, professional rehabilitation and support for people with neurological conditions, through its experienced team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers.
I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS

I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS
Partnering with us

Partnerships - INS cannot do its work alone. The best possible outcomes for our clients can be most effectively achieved from a joined-up approach that utilises the resources from a wide range of providers, both statutory and voluntary.
Why we do what we do

At INS we believe that a long-term neurological condition requires a long-term approach. We believe that this should include support for carers and focus on ability not disability. this with your content
Volunteering

INS welcomes anybody who is willing to offer their skills and some of their time to assist us in all areas of our work. Almost anyone can be a volunteer. We already have a team of invaluable volunteers who help us in many ways but we are always looking for more support.