Brain diseases, disorders and injuries
The brain and the spinal cord makes up the central nervous system and handles most of the body’s functions, such as movement, speech and the 5 senses. When the brain has a disease, disorder, or injury (also called neurological conditions), the damage can impact your daily life. Below, you can read about the different types of conditions.
Absence seizures
These are a type of epileptic seizure that cause someone to stare, and lose awareness for a few seconds. They’re also called ‘petit mal’ seizures.
Acquired brain injury (ABI)
ABI is the result of damage to your brain, which may occur due to injury at any time during your life. Learn more here.
Agnosia
This is a rare condition caused by damage to parts of the brain. Symptoms include difficulty recognising objects, people, sounds or smells.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease affects your brain function, memory and behaviour. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and progression.
Amnesia
Amnesia is loss of memory that’s usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent. Learn more about its causes and ways to live with amnesia.
Brain aneurysm
Read about brain aneurysms — a bulge in an artery wall in your brain. If it bursts it can cause bleeding on the brain which needs immediate attention.
Brain tumours
A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Some are malignant, when it’s known as brain cancer, and others are benign (non-cancerous).
Concussion
Concussion is a short-term loss of brain function following a head injury. Learn more about the causes, signs and symptoms of concussion.
Dementia
Dementia affects a person’s thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday tasks. Discover the causes, symptoms, treatments and support services.
Dysarthria
Dysarthria is when the muscles used to breathe and speak are weakened or paralysed, slurring your speech. Learn more here.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a serious brain condition usually caused by a virus. If you or your child may be affected, seek medical attention immediately.
Encephalopathy
An encephalopathy refers to any disturbance of the brain's functioning that leads to problems like confusion and memory loss. Read more here.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a long-term condition that affects 1 in 50 Australians. Learn more about the causes, how it is diagnosed and the types of seizures.
Gliomas in children
Glioma is a type of cancer that grows in the brain or spinal cord. Learn more about the types, symptoms and treatment, and where to get support.
Head injuries
Head injuries can be serious, even if they’re not visible. Read about the signs and symptoms here.
Huntington’s disease
Huntington's affects the nervous system and worsens over time. Symptoms include difficulty controlling limbs, and cognitive and emotional changes.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is caused by a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This fluid is essential, but too much can damage your brain.
Meningitis
Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness requiring urgent medical treatment. Learn more about meningitis, including the common symptoms.
Migraine
Migraines are usually very painful and can be accompanied by an ‘aura’ or nausea. Learn how to prevent, and treat, migraines.
Motor neurone disease (MND)
Motor neurone disease is a condition that causes weakness in the muscles, leading eventually to paralysis. Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease results from damage to nerve cells in the brain, which impacts the smooth control of muscles and movement.
Seizures
Symptoms of seizures depend on the type of seizure. Find out about the causes and triggers of seizures and what to do when someone has a seizure.
Stroke
A stroke is when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted. Learn the 'FAST' test for stroke symptoms, which can save a person's life.
Tourette syndrome
People with this syndrome make involuntary repetitive sounds and movements. Most don't need treatment, and relaxation exercises may reduce symptoms.
Younger onset dementia
People under 65 can develop younger onset dementia. Learn about planning, legal rights and respite care for people with early onset dementia.
