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.
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Absence seizures
Absence seizures are a type of epilepsy that cause you to stare and lose awareness for a few seconds. Also called 'petit mal' or ‘silent’ seizures.
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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.
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Agnosia
Agnosia is a condition caused by damage to parts of the brain. Symptoms include difficulty recognising objects, people, smells, flavours, tastes or so...
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Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease affects your brain function, memory and behaviour. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and progression.
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Amnesia
Amnesia is loss of memory that is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent. Learn more about its causes and ways to live with amnesia.
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Aphasia
Aphasia is a brain condition that involves difficulty with language and speech. A speech pathologist can help people with aphasia. Learn more.
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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.
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Brain tumours
A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Some are malignant (cancerous, and can spread) and others are benign (non-cancerous).
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Concussion
Concussion is a short-term loss of brain function following a head injury. Learn more about the causes, signs and symptoms of concussion.
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Dementia
Dementia affects a person’s thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday tasks. Discover the causes, symptoms, treatments and support services.
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Dysarthria
Dysarthria is when muscles used to breathe and speak are weakened or paralysed, slurring your speech. Learn about causes, symptoms and management.
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Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a serious brain condition usually caused by a virus. If you or your child may be affected, seek medical attention immediately.
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Encephalopathy
An encephalopathy refers to any disturbance of the brain's functioning. Learn about symptoms, treatments and signs of a medical emergency.
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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.
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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.
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Head injuries
Head injuries can be serious, even if they're not visible. Read about signs and symptoms, as severe head injuries always need to be seen by a doctor.
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Huntington’s disease
Huntington's affects the nervous system and worsens over time. Symptoms include difficulty controlling limbs and cognitive and emotional changes.
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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.
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Meningitis
Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness requiring urgent medical treatment. Learn more about meningitis, including the common symptoms.
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Migraine
Migraine is a very painful headaches condition that might come with 'aura' or nausea. Learn about migraine causes, symptoms treatment and prevention.
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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.
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Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease occurs when there isn’t enough dopamine produced in the brain, which impacts movement, mood and other symptoms.
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Seizures
Seizures are due to abnormal electrical signals firing in the brain. There are many types, causes, triggers and treatments. Learn what to do here.
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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.
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Tourette syndrome
People with this syndrome make involuntary repetitive sounds and movements. Most don't need treatment, and relaxation exercises may reduce symptoms.
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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.