During the post-acute phase of recovery following brain injury the patient enters the anabolic phase of metabolism. This follows the acute (catabolic) phase. During the anabolic phase the patient’s appetite may increase and they may have increased energy expenditure.
Management of the anabolic phase is focused on:
- Nutritional support to address nutritional deficiencies which have arisen during the acute phase including weight loss.
- Management of dysphagia (in those patients who have eating, drinking and swallowing problems).
- Management of enteral feeding (if previously instituted) to ensure that nutrition and hydration needs are met.
- Management of the transition from enteral feeding (if previously instituted) to oral diet if appropriate.