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The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system. Together with the peripheral nerves, they coordinate movement, sensation, communication, memory, behaviour, and many automatic body functions.
A brain disorder is a condition that changes how part of this system develops or works. Causes and effects differ widely. Some conditions are present from birth, while others arise after injury, illness, changes in blood flow, infection, inherited factors, or changes that occur over time.
This page is an educational overview, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. New, severe, or rapidly changing neurological symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Types of brain disorders
Brain conditions are often grouped by their underlying cause or the part of the nervous system affected. The categories can overlap, and one person may experience more than one condition.
Brain tumours
A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in or near the brain. Some begin in brain tissue, while others spread from a tumour elsewhere in the body. Tumours may be non-cancerous or cancerous, and their effects depend greatly on their location, size, growth pattern, and the structures they affect.
Possible symptoms
- Headaches that are new, persistent, or changing
- Seizures
- Nausea or vomiting alongside other neurological symptoms
- Changes in vision, hearing, speech, balance, or movement
- Changes in thinking, mood, or behaviour
- Weakness, tingling, or reduced sensation
Assessment and treatment
Assessment may include a neurological examination and imaging such as MRI or CT. Treatment is individual and may involve monitoring, surgery, radiotherapy, medicines, or a combination recommended by a specialist team.
Brain injuries
Brain injury can follow an impact, fall, collision, penetrating injury, or a change in blood supply. Concussion is one form of traumatic brain injury; more serious injuries can involve bleeding, swelling, bruising, or damage to brain tissue.
Possible symptoms
Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, tiredness, memory difficulty, changes in speech or vision, weakness, or altered coordination. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others become noticeable later.
Recovery and treatment
Care depends on the severity and type of injury. It may include observation, medicines, surgery, and rehabilitation. Physical, occupational, psychological, and speech-and-language therapies can support recovery when appropriate.
Mental health conditions
Mental health conditions affect patterns of mood, thought, perception, behaviour, or daily functioning. Examples include anxiety conditions, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. These conditions are real health concerns and can affect people in different ways.
Signs and support
Warning signs may include persistent changes in mood, sleep, energy, concentration, thinking, or behaviour. Support can involve talking therapies, medicines, practical help, and changes that improve safety and daily functioning. A qualified professional can help identify suitable options.
Neurodegenerative disorders
Neurodegenerative disorders involve progressive changes or damage affecting nerve cells. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and motor neurone disease. Symptoms vary and may affect memory, movement, speech, behaviour, or the ability to manage everyday tasks.
Management
Many neurodegenerative conditions do not currently have a cure, but treatment and support can help manage symptoms, maintain independence, and improve quality of life. Care may include medicines, rehabilitation, assistive tools, and support for families.
Risk and contributing factors
There is no single profile for someone who develops a brain disorder. Risk can reflect a combination of factors, including:
- Inherited or genetic changes
- Age-related changes
- Previous injury or infection
- Changes affecting blood flow to the brain
- Other health conditions and environmental exposures
- Family history for some conditions
A risk factor does not mean that a person will develop a disorder. A clinician can explain what is relevant in an individual situation.
Diagnosis of brain disorders
Diagnosis usually begins with a discussion of symptoms, medical history, medicines, family history, and changes in daily life. A clinician may assess movement, strength, sensation, coordination, speech, memory, vision, and hearing.
Depending on the concern, investigations may include blood tests, MRI or CT imaging, electrical tests of brain or nerve activity, or analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Mental health conditions are assessed through a detailed conversation and consideration of symptoms, history, and functioning.
Long-term effects and support
Long-term effects depend on the condition, its severity, the area affected, and the support available. Some people recover fully or partly; others live with ongoing changes in movement, memory, communication, mood, or independence.
Rehabilitation, routine healthcare, accessibility adjustments, emotional support, and practical assistance can all be important. A care plan should be reviewed as needs change.