Acquired Brain Injury Admissions Continue to Rise Across the UK

The latest NHS data on Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) admissions for 2023–2024 paints a stark picture of growing need highlighting the critical importance of services like ours here at Headway Kent.

Stroke and Brain Tumour Admissions on the Rise Since COVID

Notably, stroke and brain tumour admissions have continued to increase since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023–24 alone, there were:

• 143,446 stroke admissions
• 42,892 brain tumour admissions

These figures underscore a worrying trend, with more people requiring neurological support, community rehabilitation, and long-term recovery services.

What Counts as an ABI?

ABI includes some of the following:

• Head injuries
• Strokes
• Brain tumours
• Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, and hydrocephalus

While not all cases result in permanent disability, many do. ABI is used as shorthand for these varied but serious conditions.

Key UK ABI Statistics (2023–24)

• Head injury admissions: 123,969
• Stroke admissions: 143,446
• Brain tumour admissions: 42,892
• Daily ABI admissions: 919 people per day

Someone is admitted to hospital with an ABI every 90 seconds

Males are 1.5x more likely than females to be admitted with a head injury

Around 85% of admissions are individual patients, with some experiencing multiple hospital stays, especially for complex or recurring brain injuries. 

Headway Kent: Here When You Need Us

At Headway Kent, we support people living with brain injury to rebuild their lives. From emotional wellbeing to rehabilitation services, counselling, and our new Grow Well project, we're here for survivors and their families across Kent.

If you or someone you know is affected by brain injury, please get in touch at  info@headwaykent.org
Your journey to recovery doesn’t have to be walked alone.