Brain and nervous system

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and is distinctive for its life-altering symptoms. These include things like memory loss, disorientation, and personality changes. It is a progressive condition which means symptoms get worse over time and you may not notice you have a problem for a while. There isn’t one single test to determine if a person has Alzheimer’s disease. It is recommended that you bring someone with you to your doctor’s appointments as memory loss can make self-identifying your symptoms challenging. It is seen most commonly in people over the age of 65, but 1 in 20 sufferers will have an early-onset variety of the disease. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease but there is treatment and support available. Outlooks for the disease vary with some people living for several years following their diagnosis. This section contains resources that can support you through a diagnosis and care.

 Alzheimer’s Society

Alzheimer’s Research UK

The Brain Charity – Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease NHS

Dementia is the term used to describe a cluster of symptoms associated with the progressive loss of brain function. It has a number of causes, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease, and it is usually seen in the elderly. It can, however, develop earlier in life. Whilst memory loss is one of the most distinctive symptoms, it should be understood that dementia progressively causes a decline across all brain function. This means the way you speak, behave, think, and feel will all be affected. People with dementia may have problems with their thinking speed, judgement and understanding, mental sharpness, language, and movement. It is also possible to see a change in personality like a loss of empathy, or they may experience hallucinations. Whilst there is no cure for dementia it is important to get a diagnosis so that you can live safely. It is very possible to live a fulfilling life with dementia.

Dementia UK

Age UK

MSDCT – Mid Surrey Dementia Care Trust

Dementia Concern

Dementia Friends

Join Dementia Research

The Brain Charity – Dementia

Dementia NHS

Epilepsy is a condition where bursts of electrical activity in the brain cause seizures and fits in a person. Whilst anyone might have a seizure at some point in their lives, only a doctor will can diagnose you with epilepsy. These seizures can be dangerous as a person may hurt themselves and be unresponsive to their environment for a while. We don’t always know why a person has epilepsy, but sometimes it will develop due to brain damage, tumours, changes in a person’s genes, or the development of the brain in the womb. There is no cure for epilepsy but we currently have medicines, surgeries and other treatment options like a special diet. There is also specific legislation, like Zach’s Law, that focus on the protection of Epilepsy sufferers from things like being tricked into exposure to flashing lights online. This is an emerging crime that is committed by internet trolls wishing to inflict harm on epilepsy sufferers. This section has a range of resources to better understand the condition and the support and care you have available. It is a common condition and there is plenty of support out there to help you live well with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Action

Epilepsy Society

Young Epilepsy

Epilepsy Research UK

Epilepsy Action – First Aid for Seizures

Epilepsy Action – What to do when someone has a seizure

The Brain Charity – Epilepsy

Epilepsy NHS

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes a range of symptoms. It is distinctive for causing chronic widespread pain but you may also suffer with extreme fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and difficulty sleeping. Whilst our understanding of the condition is still theoretical, it is thought that the central nervous system processes pain signals in a different way. Fibromyalgia has no cure and people with fibromyalgia will rely on ongoing treatment plans to manage the condition. The main medicines used in treatment are painkillers and antidepressants but talking therapies and lifestyle changes also play a role. Fibromyalgia can be triggered by events like injuries, giving birth, having operations, or extreme emotional distress like grief and abandonment.

FMAUK - Fibromyalgia Action UK

Pain UK

Fibromyalgia NHS

A migraine is a headache characterised by a moderate to severe throbbing on one side of the head. You may become physically sick, or sensitive to light and sound during a migraine. Whilst they are common, some people may experience migraines frequently enough or severely enough that they have a significant impact on their wellbeing. Symptoms might be debilitating enough to interrupt normal day to day functioning and you may need to seek emergency medical care if your symptoms progress to paralysis, garbled speech, fever, or severe and unfamiliar pain. We don’t know the exact cause of migraines and there isn’t a single cure. All sorts of bodily and environmental ‘triggers’ are thought to bring them on. Hormonal changes, stress, poor sleep quality, and irregular meal times could all contribute to the frequency of your migraines. There are medications like Triptans for relieving migraines, but you may just resort to normal painkillers and sleeping or resting. If you suffer frequently from migraines you may need financial support, the help of a carer, legal support, or mental health advice. More information on migraines condition can be found in the resource list below.

The Migraine Trust

National Migraine Centre

Migraine Org

The Brain Charity – Migraine

The Brain Charity – Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Migraine NHS

Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong condition that causes the immune system to attack the protective covering around your brain and nerves (the myelin).

When you are young, your body can repair your myelin, but as you age it will degenerate leaving exposed nerves that are vulnerable to damage. ‘Sclerosis’ means scarring and ‘multiple’ is added because it can occur in many places.

Symptoms include fatigue, problems with balance, difficulty with vision and memory, having trouble walking, experiencing muscle spasms, experiencing problems with sex, and having problems the bowel and the bladder.

There is no cure for MS but there are treatments that can improve your quality of life. In this section there are links to the leading UK charities that support people with MS.

National MS Society and MS Society have resources for understanding the symptoms of MS, accessing support and treatment, and updates on the latest research. Researchers are currently looking for a cure to the condition.

• Multiple Sclerosis - National Therapy Centres
• MS Society UK
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Multiple Sclerosis NHS

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain. Notable symptoms include tremors and shaking. Parkinson’s UK is a charity that provides information and support for people living with Parkinson’s disease.  The website offers a vast range of resources to guide patients from the moment of diagnosis, to finding support, and through to seeking treatment and therapies. There are links to all kinds of research into Parkinson’s disease to help you to understand the condition better. You can also access the Parkinson’s helpline to speak with local advisors.

Parkinson’s UK   

The Brain Charity - Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease NHS

Spina Bifida is a condition where the baby’s spine does not develop properly in the womb causing incomplete development of the brain, the spinal cord, and protective coverings.

The name Spina Bifida means ‘Split Spine’. It is a developmental condition, and the cause remains unknown. A risk factor to be aware of is a lack of folic acid during early pregnancy; it is recommended to take supplements. Open spina bifida is when the spinal canal is open along the vertebrae causing a visible lesion on the lower or middle back. It is normally detected during pregnancy. A pediatric neurosurgeon will usually see the baby shortly after birth to treat the lesion. Closed spinal lesions are not always detected until later in life. Life with spina bifida varies significantly between individuals. The bowel and bladder are often affected, some may need or prefer a wheelchair, and reduced skin sensation can lead to sores and injuries. There are a few related conditions, such as hydrocephalus, which will further impact a person’s life.

See below for links to two leading UK charities for people with Spina Bifida as well as some informative resources on its related conditions.

• Shine Charity
• Spina Bifida Association
• Spina Bifida NHS

Related Conditions:

• Anencephaly - Shine
• Chiari Malformation NHS
• Hydrocephalus NHS
• Tethered Cord Syndrome - Shine

Tourette’s syndrome is a nervous system condition that causes involuntary “tics.” Tics are sudden, repetitive movements, twitches, and sounds that the person has limited control over. There is no cure, but there are treatment options to help manage the condition. Tourette’s syndrome is another condition that might leave people vulnerable to prejudice. The condition is often misunderstood, dramatized, and misrepresented in the media. Because of this, combined with the tiring nature of controlling tics, wellbeing may be negatively impacted. It is essential to have access to support and reliable information. Tourette’s Action has information on Tourette’s and plenty of support, such as online support groups and community events. The Brain Charity has an informative overview of Tourette’s syndrome alongside plenty of other brain-related information that may interest someone with Tourette’s.

Tourette’s Action

The Brain Charity: Tourette’s syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome NHS