Brain-related conditions

Brain-related conditions refer to conditions that are often but not always congenital (present at birth), and involve damage to, or abnormal development of the central nervous system, potentially involving the brain and spinal cord.

Damage to the developing nervous system is a major cause of disability, however the degree to which damage effects the mind and body varies considerably. Many people with damage to the developing nervous system are only mildly affected.

Workplace adjustments and solutions:

People with late onset Brain-related conditions may require some adjustments in the workplace:

• concentrating
• fine hand use
• learning and applying knowledge
• managing episodic fluctuations in conditions
• managing pain
• mobility
• organisation and planning
• problem solving and decision making
• reading and writing
• speech and language

Related links:

Further information can be found at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (link will open in a new window):

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

References:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2003, Cephalic Disorders Fact Sheet, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, viewed 6 March, 2007, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cephalic_disorders/detail_cephalic_disorders.htm

Links to specific types of brain-related conditions

• Arnold-Chiari syndrome
• Late onset Tay-Sachs disease
• Hydrocephaly
• Porencephaly
• Microcephaly