Neurological conditions: common, complex, often misunderstood
26 May 2025
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote brain health and reduce stigma, we’re shining a light on the range of neurological conditions that impact Western Australians.
Neurological conditions are more common than many people realise, yet they are often poorly understood. These conditions affect the nervous system — including the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system or CNS), and the network of nerves throughout the body (peripheral nervous system or PNS). They can impact movement, thinking, behaviour, communication, and sensation. Neurological conditions may be classified as vascular, infectious, structural, seizure-related, degenerative, autoimmune, or neurodevelopmental. Despite their diversity, all have the potential to significantly affect a person’s health, independence, and quality of life.
Neurological conditions fall into several broad categories. Here’s a simple overview of the different types and how they affect the nervous system:
Neuroinfectious Diseases
Neuroinfectious diseases are infections that affect the brain, spinal cord, or surrounding tissues. They can be caused by a range of organisms — including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or prions — and may lead to serious inflammation and damage within the nervous system.
Conditions in this group include meningitis
(inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain itself), myelitis (spinal cord inflammation), and brain abscesses. Symptoms can vary but often include severe headaches, muscle weakness, fever, confusion, or memory problems. In some cases, infections may remain dormant in the body for years before suddenly causing neurological symptoms.
While some neuroinfections are rare, others are preventable through routine vaccination — including those for measles, mumps, and meningococcal disease. These vaccines play a critical role in preventing brain infections that could otherwise lead to permanent neurological damage or even death.
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Neurodegenerative disorders affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are characterised by the progressive deterioration of nerve cells (neurons), which leads to a gradual loss of structure, function, and ultimately the death of these cells. This process often begins years before noticeable symptoms appear.
As the condition advances, people may experience difficulties with movement, memory, thinking, or behaviour — and in some cases, all of these areas at once. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative condition, primarily affecting memory and cognition. Parkinson’s disease typically causes tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement, while Huntington’s disease leads to a combination of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms due to its genetic origin.
There is currently no cure for neurodegenerative conditions, but early diagnosis and appropriate management can make a significant difference. Lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, healthy sleep routines, a balanced diet, and staying socially and mentally active may help slow progression and support overall wellbeing.
Cerebrovascular Disorders
Cerebrovascular disorders occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage or a bleed. This interruption deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain cell injury or death. The most well-known cerebrovascular condition is stroke, which can be either ischaemic (caused by a blockage in a blood vessel) or haemorrhagic (caused by a burst blood vessel and bleeding into the brain).
Another serious condition is an aneurysm, where a weakened blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding beneath the protective layers covering the brain. Symptoms of cerebrovascular disorders may include seizures, severe headaches, changes in vision, slurred speech, confusion, or sudden weakness on one side of the body.
Cerebrovascular conditions are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Yet, around 80% of strokes are preventable by managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. Early intervention and rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes.
Neuromuscular Disorders
Neuromuscular disorders are a group of conditions that interfere with the communication between nerves and muscles. They can affect different parts of the motor system — including motor neurons in the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction (where nerves connect with muscles), or the muscles themselves.
These conditions often lead to muscle weakness, wasting, and a progressive loss of motor control, which can impact mobility, coordination, and everyday function. Common neuromuscular disorders include motor neurone disease (MND), peripheral neuropathy, and various forms of muscular dystrophy.
While most neuromuscular disorders are currently incurable, treatment can greatly improve quality of life. Physical and occupational therapy play a vital role in managing symptoms, helping people maintain strength, independence, and participation in daily life for as long as possible.
Autoimmune Neurological Conditions
Autoimmune neurological conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and attacks parts of the nervous system. This abnormal immune response can affect neurons, the protective myelin coating around nerves, receptors, or the connections between nerves and muscles.
The resulting inflammation and damage can disrupt normal neurological function, leading to a range of symptoms such as muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, vision problems, numbness, or issues with coordination and balance.
The most well-known condition in this category is multiple sclerosis (MS) — a chronic, often unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that typically affects young adults and is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. While autoimmune neurological conditions are often complex, early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups and support better long-term outcomes.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders begin in early childhood and affect how a person thinks, learns, moves, communicates, and behaves. These conditions result from atypical brain development, which can be influenced by a combination of factors — including genetics, prenatal exposures, birth complications, and environmental or social influences in early life.
The impact and presentation of these disorders can vary widely from person to person. Some may experience challenges with speech and language, others with attention, motor skills, sensory processing, or social interaction. Common neurodevelopmental conditions include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, and motor disorders such as Tourette syndrome.
Diagnosis usually involves a multidisciplinary assessment that draws on developmental history, clinical observation, input from caregivers and educators, and standardised testing. While these conditions are lifelong, early intervention and ongoing support can greatly improve learning outcomes, social participation, and quality of life.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Neurological conditions vary widely, but common symptoms can include:
Ongoing or sudden headaches
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
Vision loss or double vision
Difficulty thinking clearly
Loss of balance or coordination
Seizures or tremors
Trouble speaking or understanding language
Why Awareness Matters
Neurological conditions affect millions of people, yet they often go undiagnosed or misunderstood. Early recognition and support can make a big difference. Raising awareness helps break down stigma, encourages timely care, and supports inclusion in all areas of life — from work and education to social and community participation.
At the Neurological Council of WA, we’re working to improve understanding and support for people affected by neurological conditions through advocacy, community education, and specialised nursing services. Together, we can help make brain health a priority.
Learn more our NeuroCare and NeuroKids neurological nursing and health care navigation services, as well as our NeuFriends Neurological Peer Support Groups.
The information for this post has been sourced from:
World Health Organisation Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other Neurological Conditions - https://www.who.int/publicatio...
