Brain Diseases List | Brain Disease Name​ - A to Z | Brain Related Diseases

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of the brain that slowly destroys memory and thinking ability of a person. The primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood; however, it includes a combination of age-related changes in the brain, family history, and environmental factors. A person who has Alzheimer’s experiences memory loss (forgetting recent events, names), difficulty with planning/problem-solving, trouble finding words, misplacing items in odd places, and getting lost. 

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS, which is also called Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a neurological condition that damages motor neurons. Motor neurons are nerve cells located in the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for voluntary muscle movement and breathing. People with ALS generally experience muscle twitches in the arms, legs, and shoulders, tight and stiff muscles, and Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, or the neck. 

Anencephaly

Anencephaly is a serious birth abnormality in which a baby is born lacking key parts of the brain and skull because the brain does not develop properly during early pregnancy, and babies with this condition usually do not survive long after birth. The risk of this defect is low folate levels during pregnancy, pre-existing diabetes, or certain antiseizure medications. 

Aphasia

Aphasia is a language-related condition in which a person has difficulty speaking, understanding what others say, reading, or writing because the areas of the brain that control language are injured, usually as a result of a stroke. Both men and women are affected equally, and this disease can occur at any age; however, it is most commonly seen in those over 65 years of age. Severity can range from mild difficulty finding words to a total loss of language skills. However, intelligence and thinking might still be normal.

Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma is a brain tumor that begins from astrocytes, which a star-shaped glial cells of the brain, and it can range from grades I-IV by WHO, from slow-growing benign to aggressive malignant forms. Astrocytoma causes symptoms like headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits, depending on its size and location.

Ataxia

Ataxia is a neurological condition and a group of disorders characterized by impaired balance, coordination, swallowing, and speech, most often caused by damage to the cerebellum or its connecting nervous system pathways. It may occur due to genetic disorders, head injury, stroke, infections, lack of oxygen to the brain, chronic alcohol use, vitamin deficiencies, tumors, or certain medications.

Types of ataxia include hereditary ataxia (such as spinocerebellar ataxias and Friedreich's ataxia), acquired ataxia, idiopathic ataxia, sensory ataxia, and vestibular ataxia.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by ongoing problems with lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that affect learning, behaviour, and daily functioning, commonly beginning in childhood and sometimes continuing into adulthood. Risk of disorder is genetic, exposure to environmental risks, alcohol and tobacco use, and head injuries. 

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Autism

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neuro-developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. It usually begins in early childhood and can vary widely in severity and presentation. Common features include difficulty with social skills, repetitive behaviours, and sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures. With early support, therapy, and individualised care, many people with autism can lead fulfilling and independent lives. 

Autoimmune Encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is an immune-mediated illness that causes inflammation in the brain and is one of the leading causes of non-infectious encephalitis. It often develops suddenly and can cause memory loss, confusion, behaviour or personality changes, and seizures. The exact cause is not known, but studies suggest that autoimmune antibodies target synaptic proteins, leading to widespread inflammation.

Brain Abscess

Brain abscess is a serious condition in which a localised collection of pus forms within the brain due to a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection. It commonly occurs when infections from nearby areas, such as the ear, sinuses, or lungs, spread to the brain, or after head injury or surgery. Symptoms often include headache, fever, nausea, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. 

Brain Aneurysm

Brain aneurysm or cerebral aneurysm is a balloon like structure arising from a weak point in the walls of the blood vessel in the brain, caused by factors such as high blood pressure, head injury, cigarette smoking, infection or genetic vessel weakness, and while often asymptomatic, but it may cause headaches or vision problems and can present suddenly with a severe thunderclap headache, vomiting, or loss of consciousness if it ruptures.

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Brain Atrophy

Brain atrophy refers to the loss or shrinkage of brain cells and their connections, leading to a reduction in brain volume. It generally can occur as part of normal ageing or due to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, stroke, brain injury, chronic alcohol use, or infections. Symptoms are based on the affected area and may include memory loss, poor concentration, personality changes, or difficulty with movement and speech.

Brain Hemorrhage

Brain hemorrhage, also called brain bleed or intracranial hemorrhage, is a type of stroke caused by the bursting of an artery in the brain, resulting in bleeding in the surrounding tissues. The symptoms of a brain hemorrhage differ based on the amount of tissue injured, the location of the bleeding, and the severity of the bleeding. It is a life-threatening condition that can be handled with intensive care to improve the outcome. Intracranial hemorrhage can occur spontaneously, as a result of trauma, an underlying vascular abnormality, or as a side effect of anticoagulant medication.

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Brain Metastases

Brain metastases are formed when cancer cells move to the brain from other regions of the body, most commonly the lung, breast, skin (melanoma), kidney, or colon. Symptoms depend on the tumor and location, which include headaches, seizures, weakness, vision problems, or changes in behaviour. 

Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). It can start in the brain (primary tumor) or spread to other parts of the body (secondary tumor). Common symptoms include persistent headaches, seizures, vomiting, vision or speech problems, and weakness or personality changes.

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Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the meninges (protective membranes) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis and can spread through respiratory droplets. Symptoms usually develop rapidly and include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light. 

Basal Ganglia Disorders

Basal ganglia disorders are a group of neurological conditions that affect the basal ganglia, a deep structure in the brain that is responsible for movement control and coordination. Any dysfunction in this area can lead to abnormal movements, muscle stiffness, tremors, slowness of movement, or difficulty initiating actions, as seen in conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. 

Benign Intracranial Hypertension

Benign intracranial hypertension (also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension) is a condition in which pressure inside the skull increases without an identifiable brain tumor or infection. It commonly affects young, overweight women and can cause chronic headaches, blurred or double vision, ringing in the ears, and nausea. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent vision loss. 

Cerebral Palsy

It is a group of lifelong neurological disorders caused by damage to the developing brain before, during, or after birth, leading to problems with movement, muscle tone, posture, and coordination. Symptoms vary in severity and may include stiff or floppy muscles, poor balance, difficulty walking, and sometimes speech, vision, or learning difficulties.

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD)

Cerebral small vessel disease is a broader term that refers to various disorders caused by damage to small blood vessels in the brain. CSVD is typically caused by the narrowing or blockage of these vessels as a result of inflammation, arterial hardness, plaque deposition, or vessel wall thickening. Ongoing injury to blood vessels in the brain deprives cells of oxygen, resulting in irreversible degeneration and malfunction.

Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)

CADASIL is a rare inherited brain disorder that affects small blood vessels in the brain. It is caused by a genetic mutation and often leads to recurrent small strokes, migraine headaches, memory problems, and mood or personality changes, usually beginning in early to mid-adulthood. Over time, it can result in walking difficulties and progressive cognitive decline. 

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST)

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This condition may cause a variety of signs and symptoms that resemble acute stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), meningoencephalitis, or benign intracranial hypertension. There are various risk factors which can contribute to the development of CVST, such as obesity, oral contraceptive pills use, pregnancy, JAK2 mutation, protein C and protein S deficiencies, and other provoking triggers (COVID-19 infection, otitis media, mastoiditis, dehydration, and head injuries).

Chiari Malformation

Chiari malformations are structural abnormalities in which brain tissue, especially part of the cerebellum, extends into the spinal canal due to an abnormally shaped skull. This can disturbs the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and put pressure on the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include headaches (worse with coughing or straining), neck pain, dizziness, balance problems, and weakness or numbness in the arms or legs. Severity ranges from mild to severe, and treatment depends on symptoms.

Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome

Congenital Zika syndrome is a group of severe birth malformations and neurological abnormalities that arise when a fetus becomes infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy, resulting in poor brain development and lifelong central nervous system damage. The most characteristic manifestation is microcephaly, resulting from disrupted brain growth caused by viral injury to developing neural cells. Affected infants may also show brain calcifications, ventriculomegaly, seizures, developmental delay, muscle stiffness or weakness, feeding difficulties, and visual or hearing impairments.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), also known as repetitive head injury syndrome, which is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that is most typically seen in those who participate in contact sports or serve in the military, associated with an increased risk of repeated head injuries. Common symptoms include memory loss, poor concentration, mood changes, depression, impulsive behaviour, and difficulty with thinking. The condition gradually worsens and currently has no cure, making prevention of repeated head trauma essential. 

Concussion

A concussion is an acute traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or sudden jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function, leading to symptoms such as headache, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise. 

Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for brain disorders marked by a steady decline in memory, thinking, reasoning, and daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause, but strokes, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological diseases can also contribute. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, trouble with language, poor judgment, and personality changes. There are different types of dementia, which are:

• Alzheimer's disease: The most common type of dementia, characterised by progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, and behavioural changes.
• Vascular dementia: It is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following strokes or small vessel disease, leading to cognitive impairment. 
• Lewy body dementia: This is characterised by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain, causing cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and movement problems. 
• Frontotemporal dementia: This affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to early changes in personality, behaviour, and language. 

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Delirium

Delirium is an immediate, short-term disruption in mental function that results in disorientation, reduced awareness, and trouble focusing or thinking clearly. It frequently develops quickly and can fluctuate throughout the day. Common causes include dehydration, medication overdose, severe lack of sleep, surgery, or severe autoimmune illness, especially in older adults. Delirium is usually reversible once the underlying cause is identified and treated. 

Dystonia

Dystonia is a neurological disorder that is related to movement, in which involuntary muscle contractions cause repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It may be genetic (primary) or occur due to brain injury, stroke, infections, or certain medications. People with a family history, prior brain damage, or long-term use of dopamine-blocking drugs are more prone. Symptoms include muscle spasms, twisting movements, abnormal postures, pain, and tremors, which may worsen with stress or activity. Dystonia can be of different types based on which part it affects:

• Generalised dystonia: It may affect most or all of the body.
• Focal dystonia: This affects only one specific body part.
• Multifocal dystonia: This affects two or more unrelated body parts.
• Segmental dystonia: This affects two or more nearby body parts.
• Hemidystonia: It affects one side of the body only. 

Diabetic Encephalopathy

Diabetic encephalopathy is a complication of diabetes characterised by structural and functional brain changes due to chronic hyperglycemia and recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia. It is caused by long-term, poor glycemic control, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, microvascular damage, and metabolic disturbances affecting the brain. Patients suffering from diabetic encephalopathy presented with symptoms like memory loss, impaired concentration, slowed thinking, mood changes, reduced learning ability, and, in severe cases, confusion or cognitive decline. 

Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy

Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) is a rare and severe neurological disorder that begins in the first months of life, characterised by frequent, difficult-to-control seizures and profound impairment of brain development. It is caused by genetic mutations, metabolic disorders, or structural brain abnormalities. Affected infants are more prone to it due to inherited genetic defects or perinatal brain injury. 

Encephalocele

Encephalocele is a rare congenital neural tube defect in which a portion of the brain and its covering membranes protrude through an opening in the skull. It happens when the neural tube fails to close during early fetal development, which increases the risk of pregnancies caused by folate deficiency, maternal diabetes, infections, or inherited causes. 

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain's active tissues caused by an infection or immune response.The inflammation causes the brain to swell, leading to headaches, stiff necks, light sensitivity, mental confusion, and seizures. There are two main types of encephalitis, based on the cause:

Infectious encephalitis

• Viral encephalitis: This is caused by viruses such as herpes simplex, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, and rabies.
• Bacterial encephalitis: This is a rare, usually associated with severe bacterial infections and often coexists with meningitis.
• Fungal encephalitis: Fungal encephalitis occurs mainly in immunocompromised individuals due to fungal infections.
• Parasitic encephalitis: It is caused by parasites, more common in people with weakened immunity.
• Mosquito-borne encephalitis: A subset of viral encephalitis transmitted by mosquitoes, including Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever–related encephalitis.

Autoimmune encephalitis

• Autoimmune encephalitis: It is caused by antibodies mistakenly attacking brain tissue.
• Post-infectious encephalitis (ADEM): An immune-mediated inflammatory condition that develops after an infection or vaccination.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain and causes seizures. Epilepsy is characterised by recurring, spontaneous seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It may result from genetic factors, brain injury, stroke, infections, tumors, or developmental abnormalities, though many cases have no identifiable cause. People with a family history, prior brain injury, or central nervous system infections are more prone. There are different types of epilepsy, those are:

• Focal epilepsy: Seizures originate from one area of one hemisphere of the brain and may involve focal aware or focal impaired awareness seizures.
• Generalized epilepsy: Seizures begin in both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously and include absence, myoclonic, atonic, tonic, and tonic-clonic seizures.
• Combined generalised and focal epilepsy: Patients experience both focal and generalised seizures, with an EEG showing features of both types.
• Unknown epilepsy: The seizure onset cannot be determined due to insufficient or inconclusive clinical or EEG information. 

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Functional Neurological Disorder

Functional neurological disorder is a condition in which patients have neurological symptoms without a structural disease of the nervous system. These symptoms occur due to abnormal brain functioning rather than damage. It is often associated with psychological stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression, though symptoms are not intentional. FND is more common in young to middle-aged adults, especially women. Symptoms include weakness, abnormal movements, tremors, seizures (non-epileptic), problems with cognitive function, sensory disturbances, and speech or gait problems.

Fragile X Syndrome

This is a prevalent genetic disorder caused by an alteration of the FMR1 gene, leading to intellectual disability and behavioural problems. It is inherited in an X chromosome pattern and is mostly seen in males. Individuals with a family history are most at risk. Symptoms include developmental delay, learning difficulties, autism-like behaviours, anxiety, hyperactivity, and characteristic facial features.

Friedreich's Ataxia

Friedreich's ataxia is a rare inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by alteration in the FXN gene, causing progressive damage to the nervous system. It generally begins in between the ages of 5 and 15, especially in those with a family history. Common symptoms are trouble walking, tiredness, loss of reflexes, poor coordination, slurred speech, chest pain and heart palpitations.

Glioma

Glioma is a form of primary brain tumor that develops from glial cells, which support and protect neurons in the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by genetic abnormalities and abnormal cell growth, and this risk increases with age, prior radiation exposure, and certain genetic diseases. Symptoms include headache, seizures, neurological deficits, and cognitive or personality changes, depending on tumor location.

Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most severe and malignant form of glioma, originating from astrocytes in the brain. It occurs due to complex genetic mutation, most commonly in older adults, and the risk may be increased by previous radiation exposure. Symptoms are severe headaches, seizures, loss of sensation, progressive neurological deficits, and rapid cognitive decline. 

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke is a serious brain disease caused by bleeding within the brain tissue or surrounding spaces due to rupture of a blood vessel. the common causes are uncontrolled hypertension, aneurysm rupture, arteriovenous malformations, or blood-thinning medications. People with high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol abuse, or vascular disorders are more prone. Symptoms include sudden severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, vomiting, altered consciousness, speech difficulty, and seizures.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is an inherited neurodegenerative brain disorder caused by a Variantion in the HTT gene, leading to progressive loss of neurons in the brain. It usually affects adults with a family history. Symptoms include involuntary movements (chorea), behavioral and psychiatric changes, memory loss, and progressive cognitive decline.

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