Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace medical advice.
A neurological condition is a term given to a group of overarching conditions that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and the network of nerves throughout the body.
The nervous system controls how we move, think, feel, communicate and respond to the world around us. When part of the nervous system is affected, it can change the way a person functions, feels or experiences everyday life. Neurological conditions can affect people in many different ways and range from mild to severe.
What does the nervous system do?
The nervous system is the body’s communication network. It carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It has two main parts:
- The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.
- The peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Together, these parts of the nervous system help the body receive information, make sense of it and respond appropriately.
Examples of neurological conditions
There are more than 600 recognised neurological conditions. Some are present from birth, while others develop later in life as a result of injury, illness, infection, genetic factors or other causes.
Examples include:
- Brain cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Dementia
- Encephalitis
- Epilepsy
- Migraine and headache disorders
- Motor neurone disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Neurosarcoidosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injury and other spinal conditions
- Stroke
- Transverse myelitis
- Traumatic brain injury
What symptoms or effects can neurological conditions cause?
Because different parts of the nervous system have different roles, the symptoms and effects of neurological conditions can vary widely.
For example, a condition affecting the spinal cord may have very different effects from one affecting specific areas of the brain or the nerves in another part of the body. In addition, some symptoms may come and go, remain stable or gradually worsen over time.
Possible effects include changes to:
- Movement, including strength, coordination and balance
- Sensation, including touch, temperature and pain
- Communication, including speech and language
- Vision and hearing
- Thinking, concentration and memory
- Mood and behaviour
It’s important to also note that while two people may have the same diagnosis, they can have very different symptoms, challenges, and experiences.
Treatment and management of neurological conditions
Treatment and management of neurological conditions will depend on the person’s condition, symptoms and individual circumstances. In all instances, the right course of action is best advised by a GP or specialist.
Depending on the condition, treatment and management may involve a combination of medical, physical and rehabilitation therapies. This could include:
- Medical Specialists
- Medication
- Physiotherapy and exercise physiology (including NeuroMoves, which offers evidence-based exercise and therapy services, such as hydrotherapy, for people with disability and neurological conditions)
- Occupational therapy
- Speech pathology
- Assistive technology
- Psychology, psychiatry or counselling
- Dietetics
- Other specialty healthcare providers
Stories from our community
Learning from people with lived experience is one of the best ways to understand what life with a neurological condition can be like.
Explore stories from our community:
Explore more resources
Understanding neurological conditions takes time, and there is always more to learn. Over the coming months, we’ll continue to share information, lived experience stories and practical resources to help build awareness and understanding across our community.
In the meantime, you can explore the Resource Hub to discover more stories, information and resources from people with lived experience of neurological conditions.
Sources
- What are the parts of the nervous system?
- WHO Global status report on neurology
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Neurological conditions in Australia
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – What we’re doing about neurological conditions
- Synapse Infections and diseases
