Dr Neil Graham

Dr Neil Graham is a Consultant Neurologist in London specialising in traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, memory problems and neurodegenerative dementia. He sees private patients at Queen Square and is based at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals (UCLH). He also holds an academic appointments at Imperial College London and UCL.

Concussion and head injury

Dr Graham assesses and manages the neurological effects of head injury, from concussion (mild traumatic brain injury, mTBI) to the longer-term consequences of more severe TBI. He has particular expertise in persistent symptoms after concussion, including difficulties with memory and concentration, slowed thinking, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. His approach is to understand the injury and its effect on everyday life, explain the likely causes of symptoms and develop an individual plan for investigation, treatment and rehabilitation.

Memory problems, dementia and brain health

Dr Graham sees people concerned about changes in memory, thinking or behaviour, including those worried about dementia after a previous head injury. Assessment considers both the effects of trauma and other possible causes of cognitive symptoms, including potentially treatable contributors. Having memory problems after a concussion or repeated head impacts does not, by itself, mean that someone has dementia.

Sports concussion and concerns about CTE

His clinical and research interests include sports-related head injuries and the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in contact sports, including rugby, football and boxing. He has published research on brain health in former rugby players, using cognitive assessment, MRI scans and blood biomarkers to investigate the effects of previous head impacts.

He assesses patients concerned about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), helping them understand their symptoms and the evidence around long-term brain health. CTE cannot currently be definitively diagnosed during life. A careful assessment can identify other explanations for symptoms and guide appropriate care.

Head injuries during military service

Dr Graham's research includes the long-term consequences of military traumatic brain injury through the ADVANCE study. His expertise is relevant to serving personnel and veterans with neurological or memory concerns following head injury, including injuries associated with blast exposure.

Research-informed neurological care

Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Graham researches blood biomarkers, advanced brain imaging and digital technologies to improve the assessment of brain injury and neurodegenerative disease. His work has appeared in journals including Brain, Science Translational Medicine and the BMJ. He also offers general neurology consultations. His aim is to provide clear explanations and a practical care plan tailored to each patient's symptoms and priorities.