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Folic acid taken before conception, and during at least the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, can prevent around 7 out of 10 cases of neural tube defects.

Hydrocephalus is the abnormal enlargement of the brain cavities (ventricles) caused by a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid.

Brain surgery is performed for a number of reasons, including alterations in brain tissue, brain blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid.

Syringomyelia is the growth of a cyst in the spinal cord that may result in paraplegia or quadriplegia if not treated.

Head injuries can be serious and require urgent medical attention. A hard blow to the head from a fall, knock or assault can injure the brain, even when there are no visible signs of trauma to the scalp or face. Symptoms of serious head injury include wounds, altered consciousness, clear fluid leaking from the eyes or nose, black eyes or bruises behind the ears, vision changes, nausea and vomiting.

Folate can prevent up to 70 per cent of spina bifida cases if taken daily for one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy.

Immunisation can substantially reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease, especially in young children.

Polio is a serious disease that can cause life-threatening paralysis and possibly death.

Cysts may be as small as a blister or large enough to hold litres of fluid.

The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound.