Your GP (General Practitioner)

Your GP is usually the first point of contact.

They may:

• Assess your symptoms
• Review your concussion or injury history
• Rule out other causes (e.g., vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems)
• Prescribe initial medications
• Refer you to specialist services

Your GP plays a key coordinating role throughout your care.

A&E Doctors (Emergency Medicine)

If your injury is recent or severe, you may first be seen in Accident & Emergency.

They may:

• Assess your level of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale)
• Arrange a CT scan
• Monitor for bleeding or swelling
• Admit you to hospital if needed

This stage focuses on immediate safety and stabilisation.

Neurologist

A neurologist specialises in conditions affecting the brain and nervous system.

You may be referred to a neurologist if you have:

• Ongoing cognitive symptoms
• Memory problems
• Seizures
• Persistent headaches
• Suspected neurodegenerative changes

They may:

• Arrange MRI scans
• Conduct neurological examinations
• Help rule out other conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease
• Consider whether symptoms align with Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES)

Neuropsychiatrist

A neuropsychiatrist specialises in the link between brain function and behaviour.

They may help with:

• Mood changes
• Aggression or impulsivity
• Depression or anxiety after brain injury
• Personality changes
• Complex behavioural symptoms
• This role is particularly important in suspected CTE, where behavioural and emotional changes are common.

Neuropsychologist

A neuropsychologist assesses thinking skills in detail.

They may conduct:

• Memory testing
• Processing speed assessments
• Attention and executive function testing
• Emotional functioning evaluations

These assessments help identify strengths and weaknesses and guide rehabilitation strategies.

Memory Clinic Team

If there are concerns about progressive cognitive decline, you may be referred to a memory clinic.

The team may include:

• Geriatricians
• Psychiatrists
• Specialist nurses
• Occupational therapists

They assess for:

• Early-onset dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Other cognitive disorders

In suspected CTE, this is often part of the diagnostic pathway.

Neurosurgeon

A neurosurgeon is involved in acute or severe injuries.

They may:

• Operate to remove bleeding
• Relieve pressure on the brain
• Repair skull fractures

This is usually part of emergency or intensive care treatment.

Rehabilitation Team

Rehabilitation is often the most important stage of recovery.

You may work with:

• Physiotherapist
• Balance and mobility
• Strength and coordination
• Dizziness management
• Occupational Therapist (OT)
• Daily living skills
• Fatigue management
• Work adaptations
• Cognitive strategies
• Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)
• Communication difficulties
• Word-finding problems
• Swallowing issues
• Clinical Psychologist
• Coping strategies
• Trauma support
• Adjustment therapy

Rehabilitation may take place in hospital, community settings, or specialist neuro-rehab units.

Mental Health Services

Brain injury can significantly affect mental health.

You may be referred to:

• Community mental health teams
• IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)
• Crisis teams (if symptoms are severe)

Mood support is not a sign of weakness — it is a key part of recovery.

Specialist Nurses

You may encounter:

• Neurology nurses
• Dementia specialist nurses
• Brain injury specialist nurses

They often provide:

• Ongoing monitoring
• Education
• Medication support
• A key contact point for families
• Social Worker or Care Coordinator
• If symptoms affect daily functioning, social services may be involved.
• They can help with:
• Care needs assessments
• Home adaptations
• Access to support services
• Carer support

Benefits & Occupational Health Professionals

You may also interact with:

• Occupational health (workplace adjustments)
• Benefits assessors (PIP, ESA, Universal Credit)
• Disability employment advisors

These professionals support financial stability and workplace rights.

Why So Many Professionals?

Brain injury affects:

• Thinking
• Emotion
• Behaviour
• Movement
• Relationships
• Employment
• Sleep
• Mental health

No single specialist can address all of these areas. That’s why multidisciplinary care is so important.

Navigating the System

It’s common to feel:

• Passed between services
• Frustrated by delays
• Confused by medical language
• Overwhelmed by appointments

Bringing a family member to appointments, keeping written notes, and documenting symptoms can help.

Advocacy — whether personal or through a support organisation — can also make a significant difference.

You Are Not Alone

Being referred to multiple professionals doesn’t mean something is “seriously wrong.” It means your care requires different areas of expertise.

Understanding who these professionals are — and what they do — can make the process feel less intimidating.

With the right team, the right support, and the right information, it is possible to navigate this journey with clarity and confidence