If there is a risk of malnutrition following brain injury, nutritional support may be required. Nutritional support refers to treatment, tailored to the needs of the person that ensures their nutritional requirements are met. It is important to identify any potential contributory factors which may be affecting the person’s nutritional status.
If the person is able to eat and does not have a diminished appetite, then the first step to remediate nutritional deficits would be to implement a “Food First” approach. This may be in the form of providing the person with advice regarding appropriate meals, snacks, food fortification and nourishing drinks. Nutritional support should also include setting treatment goals and a plan for monitoring to ensure these goals are met.
Important factors to consider include:
- Is the person taking sufficient food and/or fluids?
- Is the person able to take food and/or fluids safely? If dysphagia is suspected, refer to Speech and Language Therapy service.
Is the person’s diet meeting their nutritional and/or fluid requirements (MUST score) and is referral to dietetic service appropriate?
Indications for Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Feeding Methods
Enteral Feeding Regimens
Management of Dysphagia and Transition from Enteral Feeding to Oral Diet
Oral Nutritional Support