As the effects of a brain injury can be wide-ranging, there may be a number of different specialists involved in a person's rehabilitation. This is called a 'multi-disciplinary team' and ensures a patient receives proper attention to every effect of their injury.
 

Nurses are trained in all aspects of general health care and will help with dressing, washing, feeding and toileting. A ward will be run by a sister or charge nurse, accompanied by a staff nurse and nursing assistants.
 

A consultant will co-ordinate the day-to-day medical care, carrying out examinations and prescribing medication while the patient is in hospital. The consultant is head of a medical team and will be assisted by junior medical staff such as registrars and house officers, who will spend more time on the ward than the consultant.
 

The physiotherapist aims to help patients recover the ability to use their muscles and joints so they can sit or stand without losing balance, co-ordinate movements, walk and use fine hand movements. The physiotherapist will set exercises and activities for improving physical ability, and help with learning techniques for lifting and transferring from a wheelchair.
 

The occupational therapist (OT) is concerned with helping to develop independence in carrying out everyday tasks such as dressing, cooking, and housework. They will also help the individual develop skills which underlie these activities such as budgeting, planning, improving thinking and finding ways around problems. They may also provide special equipment and adaptations around the home.
 

The clinical psychologist will help in assessing the patient's mental skills and weaknesses, such as memory and concentration (a cognitive problem), using specially designed tests. They may also advise on management, rehabilitation and cognitive retraining programmes, both in hospital and in the community. They may also provide counselling and advice on dealing with the emotional problems involved in adjustment and coping.
 

Social workers are skilled in helping families receive the practical help that is needed. They can provide information about benefits, accommodation and transport. The social worker is also an experienced counsellor and is there to talk to about emotions and feelings. If there has been no contact with a social worker in hospital, ask for an appointment to see one.
 

Speech and language therapists aim to help patients communicate more effectively using both the spoken and written word. They may provide structured exercises and activities aimed at improving speech and language skills or may work with other staff and relatives to improve all-round communication. The speech therapist will also have experience of communication aids.