Inconsistencies in care: a UK and Ireland survey exploring acute vestibular service provision in adult major trauma centres

Vestibular dysfunction is common following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous research has noted patients are not routinely assessed or treated acutely, due to uncertainty around healthcare professionals' roles and their limited knowledge and skills. This research however was limited to two UK London major trauma centres (MTCs)....

Audiologists and vestibular specialists working in or alongside trauma centres should advocate for systematic vestibular screening protocols for TBI patients, as the survey reveals these are largely absent across UK and Ireland major trauma centres.

Undiagnosed vestibular dysfunction after traumatic brain injury can prolong recovery and reduce quality of life; standardising assessment pathways in trauma settings is a clear and addressable service gap.

1. 01A UK and Ireland survey found major inconsistencies in vestibular assessment and treatment at adult trauma centres.
2. 02Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not routinely screened for vestibular (balance and inner-ear) dysfunction.
3. 03Service provision gaps exist across geography, staffing, and protocols.
4. 04The findings call for standardised care pathways for vestibular assessment post-TBI in major trauma settings.
5. 05Study published in Frontiers in Neurology.

PMID

42273024

DOI

10.3389/fneur.2026.1829958.

Journal

Frontiers in Neurology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Adult major trauma centres across the UK and Ireland

Intervention

Survey of acute vestibular service provision and care pathways