neurological disorders
Neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal bifida.
In 2019, neurological disorders made up about 6.6% of the health conditions in Australia1.
1Feigin, VL et al. The global burden of neurological disorders: translating evidence into policy, 2020 The Lancet Neurology doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(19)30411-9
Demographics living with a neurological disorder
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Australia has increased to 131 per 100,000 people in 2021, with incidence rates higher in states further from the equator. In South Australia, 163 people were living with MS per 100,000 population in 2021.
Multiple sclerosis is usually diagnosed between ages 20-40 years, affecting more young adults than any other acquired neurologic disease. There are 1-2 Australians diagnosed with MS each day and three in four Australians living with MS are women.
Motor neurone disease (MND)
Each day two Australians are diagnosed with MND, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The average age of onset is 50 years old.
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in children and it is a lifelong condition affecting around 40,000 people in Australia. Over half (58%) of people living with cerebral palsy receiving NDIS support are over 18 with the remaining 42% children under 18 years of age.
Spina bifida
Around 5,000 Australians live with spina bifida, a condition which is often diagnosed during pregnancy.
Causes of neurological disorders
Risk factors for multiple sclerosis include smoking, Vitamin D deficiency, obesity and glandular fever (Epstein-Barr virus).
The causes of motor neurone disease are unclear and subject to current research.
Cerebral palsy is caused by brain injury in utero or soon after birth.
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect where the baby’s spine and spinal cord do not develop properly during the first month of pregnancy and may be related to insufficient folate.
Impact of neurological disorders
Common symptoms of MS include dizziness and vertigo, emotional and mood changes, sexual changes, pain, sensitivity to heat and/or cold, altered muscle tone including muscle weakness, tremors, stiffness or spasms, extreme tiredness, difficulty with balance or coordination, slurring or slowing of speech and changes in memory, concentration or reasoning.
It’s estimated that the quality of life of people with MS in Australia is 31% less than that of the overall population, dropping to 41% lower where MS is a severe disability, due to the impact on pain, independent living, mental health and relationships.
A person diagnosed with motor neurone disease will survive around 2-5 years from the onset of symptoms. Initial symptoms include tingling or weakness in the hands or feet, loss of motor control and difficulty speaking or swallowing. Symptoms progress to muscle wasting and widespread weakness.
Cerebral palsy affects balance, posture, and ability to move, communicate, eat, sleep and learn. People living with cerebral palsy may live into their 80s.
Spina bifida doesn’t have a cure. Surgery in utero may close the lesion on the spine and reduce infection, with further orthopaedic operations throughout childhood that aim to improve mobility in the feet and legs. Mobility aids, bladder surgery or use of catheters, enemas, diet adjustment and continence aids are required. Regular monitoring of kidney, bladder and spine functions will continue throughout the person’s life.
How can estara support people living with a neurological disorder?
Lifestyle plays an important role in improving the quality and enjoyment of life for people living with neurological disorders. With support to engage in work and community, manage mental health and build capacity with stress-reducing activities, you can live a more fulfilling life.
Our support workers and in-house team of registered nurses can connect people with community resources to support a healthy lifestyle, reduce the impact of symptoms and improve quality of life.
We provide specialist services for neurological disorders
Families and individuals living with neurological disorders in South Australia can learn more about the services we provide to support and improve their quality of life.