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A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W X
ABSCESS A localized collection of pus.
ABNORMAL Not normal.
ACALCULIA Inability to perform simple arithmetic.
ACOUSTIC NEUROMA A benign tumor of the hearing/balance nerve.
ACROMEGALY A disorder of the pituitary glad characterized by excessive secretion of growth hormone leading to progressive enlargement of the head, face, hands, feet, and torso.
ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIFE Routine activities carried out for personal hygiene and health (including bathing, dressing, feeding) and for managing a household.
ACUITY Sharpness of a sensation.
ACUTE Sudden or recent onset.
ADENOMA A benign growth of glandular tissue.
ADIADOCHOKINESIA Lack of ability to stop movement in one direction and follow it immediately with movement in the opposite direction.
A.D.L. See ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIFE.
AFFECT The emotional condition of an individual.
AFFECTIVE DISORDER Psychiatric illnesses that are characterized by abnormalities in mood. The two main categories are depression and manic disorder.
AGNOSIA Inability to recognize the form and nature of familiar persons or objects.
AGRAPHIA Loss of the ability to express thoughts in writing.
AKINETIC MUTISM An altered level of consciousness where the individual is alert but appears to is silent and immobile with no observable evidence for mental activity.
ALEXIA Loss of ability to read.
AMAUROSIS Visual loss without any discoverable problems with the eye or optic nerve.
AMAUROSIS FUGAX Temporary blindness that occurs in short periods.
AMENORRHEA Lack of menses due to reasons other than menopause or pregnancy.
AMNESIA Memory loss regarding events occurring during a particular period of time that is typically caused by brain damage or severe emotional trauma. Also see ANTEROGRADE AMNESIA and RETROGRADE AMNESIA.
ANALGESIA Loss of response to a painful stimulus caused by either damage to nerve structures or due to treatment with pain medications.
ANAPLASIA Alteration in the characteristics of a cell which typically constitutes malignancy.
ANASTOMOSIS Process of joining together or communication between two structures, such as nerves or blood vessels.
ANENCEPHALY A birth defect characterized by the absence of the greater part of the brain and skull.
ANESTHESIA Loss of sensation of a part or all of the body due to administration of drugs or damage to nerve structures.
ANESTHESIOLOGIST A physician who specializes in the administration of pain-killing and/or anesthetic medications during surgery.
ANEURYSM A balloon-like dilation of the wall of an artery, which may eventually enlarge and rupture, causing hemorrhage.
ANGIOGRAM An x-ray study that shows the outline of blood vessels by injection of a contrast dye through a catheter that is typically placed in the artery in the groin region.
ANGIOGRAPHY The process of obtaining an angiogram.
ANNULUS FIBROSUS The outer, fibrous, ring-like portion of an intervertebral disc.
ANOMIA Lack of ability to recall names of objects, with preserved fluent speech. Individuals with this condition often use other words to describe the object.
ANOREXIA A condition characterized by weight loss due to lack of appetite or reduced food intake.
ANOSMIA Loss of sense of smell.
ANOXIA Complete lack of oxygen supply.
ANTERIOR Toward the front.
ANTEROGRADE AMNESIA Inability to form new memory about ongoing events.
ANTICOAGULANT A medicine, also known as blood thinner, which prevents coagulation of the blood.
ANTICOAGULATION The process of interfering with the normal coagulation of blood to prevent formation of blood clots. Common medications utilized for this purpose are Warfarin (Coumadin) and Heparin.
ANTICONVULSANT A medicine used to decrease the likelihood of occurrence of a seizure.
ANTIDEPRESSANT A medicine used to treat depression.
ANTIDIURETIC A medication used to reduce urine output.
APALLIC SYNDROME A condition that occurs after global damage to the cerebral cortex (such as after anoxic brain injury) which is characterized by absence of higher brain function but with a relatively intact brain stem. Also see PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE.
APATHY Lack of interest or concern.
APHASIA Inability to use or comprehend written or spoken language that is related to a brain lesion rather than intelligence. Also see BROCA’S APHASIA, EXPRESSIVE APHASIA, RECEPTIVE APHASIA, and WERNICKE’S APHASIA.
APHEMIA Loss of ability to articulate words with preserved ability to write or comprehend spoken language.
APNEA Cessation of breathing.
APOPLEXY A sudden event, usually referring to a vascular (blood vessel-related) phenomenon.
APRAXIA Inability to perform a complex task that is not as a result of paralysis, sensory changes, or problems with understanding.
ARACHNOID MEMBRANE Middle layer of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
ARACHNOIDITIS Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane.
ARTERIOGRAPHY See ANGIOGRAPHY.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS Hardening of the wall of an artery with resultant loss of elasticity.
ARTERIOVENOUS Relating to both arteries and veins.
ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATION An abnormal collection of blood vessels characterized by communications between arteries and veins without the normal intervening capillary (small blood vessel) system.
ARTICULATION A movable joint.
ASPIRATION Entrance of food or fluids into the lungs through the windpipe, often leading to pneumonia.
ASTEREOGNOSIA Inability to recognize objects by touch.
ASTROCYTES Brain cells that support the nerve cells (neurons) of the brain and spinal cord.
ASTROCYTOMA Tumors of the brain and spinal cord that arise from astrocytes.
ATAXIA Loss of muscular coordination leading to abnormal clumsiness.
ATHETOSIS A condition characterized by involuntary writhing movements of the upper and lower extremities.
ATROPHY A wasting of the tissues of a body part due to lack of nourishment, inactivity, or loss of nerve supply.
AUDIOLOGIST A technician who evaluates and helps to rehabilitate individuals with hearing defects.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM The portion of the nervous system that is responsible for the management of the involuntary body functions (such as heart rate, blood pressure, and gland functions).
AVASCULAR Without blood vessels.
AXON One of the major parts of a nerve cell that helps to transmit signals to other nerves or structures.
BACTERICIDAL A chemical or medication that kills bacteria.
BACTERIOSTATIC A chemical or medication that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
BASAL GANGLIA A group of structures deep within the brain which are involved in voluntary movement, eye movement, and cognition.
BELL'S PALSY Paralysis of muscles of the face (usually on one side) due to dysfunctions of the nerve that supplies them.
BENIGN Lack of tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse or more invasive.
BILATERAL Referring to both the right and left sides.
BIOPSY Removal of a small portion of tissue, which is usually used for the purpose of making a diagnosis.
BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER A barrier between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid which prevents the passage of various substances from the bloodstream to the brain and spinal cord.
BRADYCARDIA Slowness of the heart rate.
BRADYKINESIA Slowness in movement.
BRAIN DEATH A state in which all functions of the brain are permanently lost, usually as a result of brain injury.
BRAINSTEM The lower part of the brain which connects to the spinal cord, and is responsible for vital neurologic functions such as breathing, heart rate and arousal (being awake and alert).
BROCA’S APHASIA See EXPRESSIVE APHASIA.
BROWN-SEQUARD SYNDROME Damage to one side of the spinal cord causing loss of sensation to touch and movement on the side of injury, with loss of pain sensation on the other side.
CARCINOMA Cancer.
CAROTID ARTERY A large artery on either side of the neck which provides the brain with the majority of its blood supply.
CARPAL TUNNEL Space under a ligament in the wrist through which a large nerve (Median Nerve) as well as other structures enter the palm of the hand.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME A painful disorder caused by compression of a nerve (Median Nerve) in the carpal tunnel. This condition is characterized by discomfort and weakness in the hands and fingers and by sensations of tingling, burning, or numbness.
CATHETER A flexible tube for withdrawing fluids from, or introducing fluids into, a certain body cavity or blood vessel.
CAUDA EQUINA The group of nerves that arise from the end of the spinal cord and travel through the lower part of the spinal canal before exiting the spinal canal at various levels.
CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME A serious neurologic condition characterized by loss of bowel and bladder control, numbness in the groin region, and weakness of the lower extremities. This condition is typically caused by severe compression of the cauda equina.
CAUDATE NUCLEUS One of the components of the basal ganglia.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM Collective term for the brain and spinal cord.
CEREBELLUM The lower/back part of the brain which regulates coordination of movements.
CEREBRAL Referring to the brain.
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID A fluid produced by the brain that bathes the brain and spinal cord and helps to provide certain maintenance functions.
CEREBRUM The principal portion of the brain which controls conscious movement, sensation, and thought.
CERVICAL Of or relating to the neck.
CHIASM See OPTIC CHIASM.
CHOREA A neurologic disorder that is characterized by involuntary, irregular, spasmodic movements of the limbs or face.
CHOROID PLEXUS The structure within the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.
CHRONIC Characterized by long duration or frequent recurrence.
CIRCUMLOCUTION The use of other words to describe a specific word that cannot be recalled.
CLONUS A series of sustained rhythmic jerking movements of a muscle following any stimulation that causes a quick stretch of that muscle.
C.N.S. See CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
COCCYX A small bone at the end of the spinal column which is commonly known as the tail bone.
COGNITION The process of understanding, reasoning, and being aware of thoughts or perceptions.
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT Difficulty with perception, attention, memory, and/or reasoning skills.
COMA A state of unconsciousness from which one cannot be aroused despite significant stimulation.
COMA VIGIL The state in which a patient has no meaningful interaction with the environment but exhibits sleep/wake cycles, spontaneous breathing, and heart beat. Also see PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN A diagnostic imaging test in which a computer interprets x-rays that are passed through the body in different directions in order to create a three-dimensional map of various body parts.
CONCUSSION Blunt trauma to the head resulting in physiologic and/or anatomic disturbance of connections between brain cells, which may cause temporary or prolonged disruption of neurologic function.
CONFABULATION Verbalizations about individuals, events, or locations which has no basis in reality.
CONGENITAL A condition that has existed since birth.
CONJUGATE EYE MOVEMENTS Synchronous (simultaneous) movement of both eyes in the same direction.
CONSCIOUSNESS The state of awareness of self and environment.
CONTRAST MEDIUM/AGENT Chemicals that are used during a radiologic test in order to better define an anatomic structure.
CONTINENCE The ability to control urination and bowel movements.
CONTRACTURE Abnormal shortening of muscle and other tissues leading to loss of range of motion in a joint.
CONTRALATERAL Opposite side.
CONTRECOUP Injury to brain tissue resulting from trauma to the opposite side.
CONTUSION A body area in which blood has leaked out into tissues due to an injury, commonly known as a “bruise.”
CONVERGENCE Coming together.
CORONAL SUTURE The location in the skull where the frontal (front) and parietal (side/upper) bones join together.
CORPECTOMY A surgical procedure that involves the removal of a part of the vertebral body in the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
CORTEX The external layer of gray matter covering the hemispheres of the cerebrum and cerebellum.
CORTICAL BLINDNESS Loss of sight due to injury to the part of the brain that controls vision (occipital lobe).
COUP INJURY Damage to the brain at the point of traumatic impact.
CRANIUM The portion of the skull that contains the brain.
CRANIECTOMY Removal of a portion of the skull (brain surgery).
CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA Congenital tumor arising from a connection between the brain and pharynx.
CRANIOPLASTY Surgical procedure to repair a defect in the skull.
CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS Premature closure of connections between parts of the skull which causes distortion in the growth of the skull.
CRANIOTOMY Opening of the skull (brain surgery).
C.S.F. See CEREBROSPINAL FLUID.
C.T. SCAN See COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN.
DECEREBRATE POSTURE Exaggerated posture of extension as a result of damage to a portion of the brainstem.
DECEREBRATE RIGIDITY See DECEREBRATE POSTURE.
DECUBITUS ULCER Breakdown in the skin as a result of continued damage caused by pressure, typically seen in bedridden patients in the buttocks, hips, shoulder blades, heels, ankles, and elbows.
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS Formation of a blood clot inside a deep vein, typically seen in the calf or thigh.
DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE Wearing out of an intervertebral disc.
DEGENERATED DISC See DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE.
DEPRESSED SKULL FRACTURE A break in skull where a portion of the fractured bone is pushed inward, possibly pressing on or cutting into the brain.
DIABETES INSIPIDUS Inability of the body to concentrate the urine by absorbing water from the kidneys, leading to excretion of large amounts of urine.
DIASCHISIS A phenomenon that can occur following brain injury in which healthy areas associated with the damaged portions of the brain show a temporary loss of function.
DIFFUSE Spread throughout a larger region (Opposite of FOCAL).
DIFFUSE AXONAL INJURY Shearing damage to nerve fibers throughout the brain, typically as a result of significant blunt head trauma.
DIFFUSE BRAIN INJURY Damage throughout the brain which may occur as a result of injuries such as trauma or inadequate blood flow.
DIPLEGIA Paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body, such as both arms or both legs.
DIPLOPIA Double vision.
DISC A cartilaginous tissue found between the vertebrae of the spinal column which may bulge beyond the edges of the vertebral body and compress the nearby nerve, causing pain.
DISCECTOMY The surgical removal of part or all of an intervertebral disc typically done to relieve pressure on nerves or for treatment of a worn out disc.
DISINHIBITION Inability to suppress impulsive or emotional behavior.
DISORIENTATION A condition where knowledge of self, location, time, and situation is impaired.
DISTAL Far from the point of reference.
DOPPLER A non-invasive imaging study that uses ultrasound (sound waves) in order to detect blood flow through veins or arteries and can be used to determine the degree of narrowing of the vessel.
DORSIFLEXION Bending the foot back at the ankle.
DURA A tough membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord.
DURA MATER See DURA.
D.V.T. See DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS.
DYSARTHRIA Weakness of the muscles that are used in speaking, leading to difficulty in speaking.
DYSESTHESIA A condition where an uncomfortable/painful sensation is produced by ordinary touch, temperature, or movement.
DYSMETRIA Inability to stop a movement at the desired point, leading to unsteady/uncoordinated movement of the arms or legs.
DYSPHAGIA Difficulty with swallowing.
DYSPHASIA Difficulty in the use of language due to a brain problem that is not related to mental impairment.
DYSTONIA Abnormal muscle tone or movement.
E.C.G. See ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY.
ECHOLALIA Imitation of words or sounds without comprehension.
EDEMA Swelling caused by an excessive accumulation of fluid in a tissue.
E.E.G. See ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY.
E.K.G. See ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY Study of the electrical activity of the heart which can reveal certain types of heart abnormalities.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM The recording made during electrocardiography.
ELECTROENCEPHALOPGRAHY Study of the electrical activity of the brain which can reveal certain types of brain abnormalities.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM The recording made during electroencephalography.
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY A method of recording the electrical currents generated in a muscle during its contraction which can reveal certain types of muscle abnormalities.
ELECTROMYOGRAM The recording made during electromyography.
EMBOLISM A floating blood clot, air bubble, or piece of tissue within an artery or vein which may lead to blockage of blood flow if is becomes lodged within the blood vessel.
E.M.G. See ELECTROMYOGRAPHY.
ENCEPHALOPATHY Impairment of brain function.
ENDARTERECTOMY A surgical procedure aimed at removal of deposits from the internal wall of an artery.
ENDOCRINE GLAND Any gland within the body that secretes chemicals which affect another organ.
ENDOCRINOPATHY A disease of one or more endocrine glands.
ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE A tube inserted into the trachea (windpipe) to accommodate protection of airway and/or control of breathing, typically by a ventilator.
EPENDYMA The membrane which lines the fluid spaces within the brain and spinal cord.
EPENDYMOMA A tumor in the brain or spinal cord that arises from the cells in the ependyma.
EPIDURAL A process occurring outside the dura.
EPIDURAL HEMATOMA Hemorrhage within the space between the dura and the inside of the skull.
EPILEPSY Recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to abnormal sensation, movement, or level of consciousness.
E.T. TUBE See ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE.
EXCISION Removal by cutting away.
EXPRESSIVE APHASIA A brain disorder in which expression by speech or writing is severely impaired, without any problems with comprehension.
EXTRADURAL See EPIDURAL.
FASCET A portion of a vertebra which joins two adjacent vertebral bodies and allows motion in the spinal column. Each vertebra has four facets (right upper, right lower, left upper, and left lower).
FALX CEREBRI An extension of the covering around the brain that separates the right and left halves (hemispheres) of the brain.
FLACCID Lack of normal muscle tone.
FLEXION Bending at a joint.
FOCAL Restricted to one specific region (Opposite of DIFFUSE).
FOLEY CATHETER A tube inserted into the bladder for drainage of urine.
FONTANELLE Normal openings in the skull of infants which closes gradually after birth as the separate parts of the skull grow and join together.
FORAMEN A normal opening in the vertebrae of the spinal column through which the nerve roots travel.
FORAMINOTOMY A surgical procedure where the abnormally-narrowed foramen is enlarged.
FRONTAL LOBE Front part of the brain which is typically involved in personality, planning, organization, problem solving, and attention.
GALACTORRHEA Discharge of milk from the breasts.
GAMMA KNIFE RADIATION A form of radiation treatment that delivers precise and concentrated doses of radiation to a predetermined target.
GASTROSTOMY TUBE A tube that is surgically inserted into the stomach in order to provide liquids, food, or medication when the patient is not able to take these substances by mouth.
G.B.M. See GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME.
G.C.S. See GLASGOW COMA SCALE.
GLASGOW COMA SCALE A system of classifying the severity of brain impairment by independently assessing eye opening as well as verbal and motor responses to stimuli.
GLASGOW OUTCOME SCALE A system of classifying outcome (with regard to functional independence) after brain injury or other neurologic disease.
GLIA The major support cells of the brain that are involved in the nutrition and maintenance of nerve cells.
GLIOMA A type of tumor that arises from glia.
GLIOBLASTOMA See GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME.
GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME The most aggressive type of glioma.
GLOBUS PALLIDUS A component of the basal ganglia.
G.O.S. See GLASGOW OUTCOME SCALE.
HALO VEST An apparatus consisting of a rigid ring that is attached to the head with connections to a rigid vest that helps to immobilize the neck in patients that have suffered neck injuries.
HEMANGIOMA An abnormal collection of blood vessels.
HEMATOMA A collection of blood in tissue or within a space following rupture of a blood vessel.
HEMIANOPIA Loss of the right or left half of vision in each eye.
HEMIANOPSIA See HEMIANOPIA.
HEMIATROPHY Wasting of tissues of half of an organ or half of the body.
HEMIPARESIS Weakness of one side of the body.
HEMIPLEGIA Paralysis of one side of the body.
HERNIATED NUCLEUS PULPOSUS Extrusion of the central portion of a disc through the outer ring. This can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, weakness, tingling, and/or numbness.
HERNIATED DISC See HERNIATED NUCLEUS PULPOSUS.
HORMONE A chemical signal secreted by one organ which is carried to another organ in order to affect its function or physiology.
HYDROCEPHALUS Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the fluid-filled cavities in the brain (ventricles).
HYDROMYELIA Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the central canal of the spinal cord.
HYPERACUSIS Abnormal acuteness of hearing.
HYPERESTHESIA Excessive sensitivity to touch, pain, or temperature.
HYPERTENSION High pressure. Typically refers to elevated blood pressure; however, when used in reference to the brain (intracranial hypertension) it refers to elevated pressures within the brain as a result of injury or hydrocephalus.
HYPOTHALAMUS A collection of nerve cells deep in the brain which control basic regulatory functions such as temperature, satiety, thirst, and attention as well as hormonal regulation.
HYPOXEMIA An abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood.
HYPOXIA Insufficient oxygen delivery to the tissues of the body.
I.C.D. CODE See INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASE.
I.C.P. See INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE.
I.C.U. See INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.
INCONTINENCE Lack of ability to control bladder or bowel function.
INFARCT Death of tissue due to inadequate blood supply.
INFUNDIBULUM A tissue that connects the brain to the pituitary glad below it.
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT A hospital unit for critically ill patients utilizing highly sophisticated monitoring and therapeutic equipment as well as specially trained physicians and nurses.
INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASE A three digit classification system of medical conditions, diseases, and injuries.
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC See DISC.
INTRACEREBRAL HEMATOMA A blood clot within the brain.
INTRACRANIAL Referring to the brain or the compartment inside of the skull where the brain is located.
INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION Abnormally elevated pressures within the brain which may occur as a result of a variety of injuries or conditions.
INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE The overall pressure inside of the skull.
INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE MONITOR A catheter placed inside of the skull in order to monitor pressures within the brain.
INTRAPARENCHYMAL Referring to a process that occurs within the tissue of the brain.
INTRAVENOUS CATHETER A tube inserted into a vein through which fluid and medications are provided.
IPSILATERAL Same side.
ISCHEMIA Inadequate blood supply to tissue, usually due to a blockage in an artery.
I.V. CATHETER See INTRAVENOUS CATHETER.
JUGULAR VEIN The major vein on each side of the neck which drains blood from the head towards the heart.
LABYRINTH A component of the inner ear which is responsible for hearing and balance.
LACERATION A tear in tissue.
LAMINA A portion of the vertebra that comprises the back wall of the spinal canal.
LAMINECTOMY Surgical removal of the lamina, usually done to relieve abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal.
LAMINOTOMY An opening made in a lamina in order to gain access to that portion of the spinal canal, often performed to remove a herniated nucleus pulposus.
LATERAL Pertaining to the side (or away from the center) of the body.
LEPTOMENINGES Collective term for the two layers of fine tissue (pia mater and arachnoid membrane) which cover the brain and spinal cord and are immediately inside the dura.
LEPTOMENINGITIS Inflammation of the leptomeninges.
LESION A structural abnormality in a tissue.
LETHARGIC A state of consciousness where the person is drowsy but awakens with stimulation.
LEUKODYSTROPHY Abnormality of the white matter of the brain.
LEUKOENCEPHALITIS Inflammation of the white matter of the brain.
LIGAMENT Connective tissue that links bones together.
LOCKED-IN SYNDROME A condition resulting from a specific type of damage to the brainstem which leaves the patient almost completely paralyzed and mute but able to see and hear. Communication with such patients may be possible by using blinking or movements of the jaw or eyes.
LIPOMA A benign tumor composed of fat cells.
LORDOSIS Curvature of the spinal column with the convexity forward.
LUMBAR Relating to the low-back portion of the spinal column.
LUMBAR DRAIN A thin and flexible catheter that is inserted through the skin into the subarachnoid space (space containing cerebrospinal fluid) in the lower back which allows drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY A non-invasive diagnostic study where image of the arteries in the head and neck are produced using powerful magnets and computer technology, without the use of any contrast dye material.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING A non-invasive diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology, rather than x-rays.
MALIGNANCY The state of being malignant.
MALIGNANT Tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively more invasive and eventually result in death.
MEDIAN NERVE The nerve that supplies sensation to the hand and power to the muscles in the forearm and thumb. It may become compressed at the wrist in carpal tunnel syndrome.
MENINGES A collective term for the three membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain (dura, arachnoid membrane and pia mater).
MENINGIOMA A firm tumor arising from the coverings of the brain. The majority of meningiomas are benign.
MENINGITIS An infection or inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
MENINGOCELE A protrusion of the coverings of the spinal cord or brain through a defect that may exist in the skull or vertebral column.
MENINGOENCEPHALITIS An inflammation or infection of the brain and its covering layers.
MENINGOENCEPHALOCELE A protrusion of both the meninges and brain tissue through a skull defect.
METASTASIS The spreading of cancer to another part of the body.
METASTATIC A cancer that has spread to another part of the body.
MONOPLEGIA Paralysis of one arm or one leg.
MOTOR Pertaining to movement.
M.R.A. See MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY.
M.R.I. See MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING.
MYELIN The fat-like substance which surrounds the axon of nerve fibers and provides insulation.
MYELOGRAPHY A radiologic test where dye material is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid within the spinal canal followed by an x-ray which is used to detect diseases of the spinal cord and/or spinal column, including tumors, anatomical defects, or disc problems.
MYELOGRAM The result of MYELOGRAPHY.
MYELOPATHY A pathologic disturbance in the spinal cord.
MYELOMENINGOCELE A protrusion of the spinal cord and its coverings through a defect in the vertebral column.
MYOPATHY Any disease of muscle.
NASOGASTRIC TUBE A tube that is inserted through the nose that ends in the stomach and allows for direct provision of food and medication into the stomach or to remove its contents.
NERVE ROOT The initial portion of a nerve as it exits the spinal canal.
NEURALGIA Pain that extends along the course of one or more nerves.
NEURECTOMY Excision of part of a nerve.
NEURITIS Inflammation of a nerve.
NEUROBLASTOMA A type of nerve tumor found mostly in infants and children.
NEUROFIBROMA A tumor of the peripheral nerves due to an abnormal collection of fibrous and insulating cells.
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS A familial condition characterized by formation of many neurofibromas.
NEUROHYPOPHYSIS The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
NEUROLOGIST A physician who specializes in the non-surgical treatment of nervous system disorders.
NEUROLYSIS Surgical removal of scar tissue from a nerve.
NEUROMA A tumor that is made up of nerve fibers and connective tissue.
NEUROPATHY Any disease of the peripheral nervous system.
NEUROPHYSIOLOGY The study of the functions of the nervous system.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST A psychologist who specializes in evaluating brain/behavior relationships. These specialists help the survivor of brain injury return to normal functioning and recommend alternative cognitive and behavioral strategies to minimize the effects of brain injury.
NEUROSURGEON A physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system and its surrounding structures, operating on the brain, skull, scalp and the spinal column.
N.G. TUBE See NASOGASTRIC TUBE.
N.P.O. Latin initials that stand for "Nothing by Mouth" referring to instructions that no food or liquids be taken in by mouth in preparation for certain tests or surgeries or when a person cannot swallow safely due to a medical condition.
NYSTAGMUS Involuntary vertical, horizontal, or rotary movement of the eyes.
OBTUNDED Moderate reduction of level of alertness.
OCCIPITAL LOBE The portion of the brain that resides in the back and processes visual information.
OCCIPUT The back part of the skull.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Therapeutic use of self-care, work and play activities that are intended to increase independent function and prevent disability. It may include the adaptation of a task or the environment to achieve maximum independence.
OLIGODENDROGLIA Non-nerve cells that are a part of the supporting structure of the central nervous system.
OLIGODENDROGLIOMA A tumor of the oligodendroglia.
OPHTHALMOPLEGIA Paralysis of one or more of the eye muscles.
OPTIC CHIASM A location in the brain where some fibers of the optic (visual) nerves that originate from the eyes cross and go toward the opposite side of the brain.
ORIENTATION Awareness of one's environment and/or situation.
ORTHOSIS A splint or brace that is designed to improve function or provide stability, usually around a joint.
OSTEOMA A benign tumor of bone.
OSTEOMYELITIS Inflammation and/or infection of bone.
O.T. See OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY.
OXIMETER A device that monitors a patient's oxygen saturation, which is a measure of the oxygen content of the blood.
PALLIATIVE CARE A multidisciplinary program that is designed to reduce the severity of certain symptoms and improve the quality of life. These services are often provided to patients who have a terminal illness and suffer from disabling symptoms (such as pain) as a result of their condition.
PAPILLEDEMA Swelling of the optic (visual) nerve which can be seen in the back of the retina during eye examination and is used to detect certain brain problems.
PARAPARESIS Weakness of the legs.
PARAPLEGIA Paralysis of the body from the waist down.
PARAPNASIAS Use of incorrect words or word combinations.
PARENTERAL Bypassing of the gastrointestinal tract and introducing of the substance through some other route, such as subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous.
PARIETAL LOBE A portion of the brain that is located midway between the front and back (behind the frontal lobe, in front of the occipital lobe, and above the temporal lobe) and is responsible for processing sensory stimuli. On the right side this lobe is also responsible for visuospatial skills.
PATHOLOGY Interruption or interference of normal bodily processes or structures.
PEDICLE The bony part of each vertebra, located on each side of the spinal canal, that connects the lamina (back part) with the vertebral body (front part).
PERIPHERAL NERVE A nerve that extends outside of the spinal cord and connects the brain and spinal cord to muscles.
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM The portion of the nervous system that extends outside of the central nervous system and connects it to the limbs and organs.
PERITONEAL CAVITY Body cavity that houses the abdominal organs.
PERSEVERATION The inappropriate persistence of a response in a current task which may have been appropriate for a former task.
PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE A condition where a patient utters no words and does not follow commands or make any response that is meaningful, typically caused by severe brain injury.
PHLEBITIS Inflammation of a vein.
PHYSIATRIST A physician who specializes in neurologic rehabilitation.
PHYSICAL THERAPY A form of therapy that focuses on providing treatments to help a patient achieve functional independence by evaluating and treating conditions that affect muscle strength, muscle tone, posture, coordination, endurance, and general mobility.
PIA MATER The delicate innermost layer of the meninges which surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
PITUITARY GLAND A gland at the base of the brain which regulates the function of various other glands in the body by secreting hormones into the blood stream.
P.N.S. See PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
POLYNEURITIS Simultaneous inflammation of two or more nerves.
PORENCEPHALY An abnormal cavity within brain.
POST ICTAL State following a seizure that is often characterized by altered function of the limbs and/or mentation.
PROGNOSIS The prospect as to recovery from a disease or injury based on the nature and severity of the symptoms.
PRONE Lying on one's front.
PROPRIOCEPTION The sensory awareness of the position of the joints and body in space.
PROSTHESIS An artificial substitute for a missing body part.
PROXIMAL Next to, or nearest to, the point of attachment.
PSEUDOTUMOR CEREBRI A condition characterized by raised intracranial pressure, usually causing only headache and papilledema with no clear underlying structural abnormality.
P.T. See PHYSICAL THERAPY.
PTOSIS Drooping of the upper eyelid.
QUADRANTANOPIA Defect in vision in one fourth of the visual field.
QUADRIPARESIS Weakness of all four limbs.
QUADRIPLEGIA Paralysis of all four limbs.
RACHISCHISIS Abnormal congenital opening of the vertebral column.
RADIOLOGIST A physician specializing in interpreting x-rays, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and other radiologic images as well as specialty in performing angiography.
RADIOTHERAPY Treatment of a lesion with radiation.
RECEPTIVE APHASIA A brain disorder characterized by fluent but meaningless speech and severe impairment of the ability to understand spoken or written words.
RESPIRATOR A machine that breathes for an unresponsive patient.
RETROGRADE AMNESIA Inability to recall events that occurred prior to an accident.
SACRUM The part of the spinal column that is located above the coccyx and below the lumbar spine.
SACCULAR ANEURYSM See ANEURYSM.
SCOLIOSIS An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine.
SCOTOMA An area of decreased vision surrounded by an area of normal vision.
SEIZURE An uncontrolled discharge of nerve cells which may spread to other cells nearby or throughout the entire brain. It usually lasts only few minutes and may be associated with loss of consciousness, loss of bowel and bladder control, and/or convulsions.
SHUNT A tube or device implanted in the body to divert the flow of fluid from one location to another. With regard to the central nervous system, this typically refers to a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid.
SOMATIC Relating to, or affecting, the body.
SPASM An involuntary and abnormal muscle contraction.
SPASTICITY An involuntary increase in muscle tone (tension) that typically occurs following injury to the brain or spinal cord.
SPINA BIFIDA A congenital defect of the spine marked by the absence of a portion of the spine.
SPINAL CANAL The tube that is formed by the opening in each vertebra as they are stacked upon one another. The spinal cord passes through this canal.
SPINAL COLUMN The series of 33 vertebrae that extend from the base of the skull to the tailbone to form the back bone and protect the spinal cord.
SPINAL CORD A bundle of nerves that passes through the spinal canal and carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
SPINAL STENOSIS Abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal that may result in pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that arise from the spinal cord.
SPINE See SPINAL COLUMN.
SPONDYLITIS Inflammation of the vertebrae.
SPONDYLOLISTHESIS Forward displacement of one vertebra on another.
SPONDYLOSIS Degenerative bone changes in the spine usually most marked at the joints (connections) between the vertebrae.
STATUS EPILEPTICUS Continuous seizures.
STENOSIS Narrowing.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY The precise delivery of radiation to a preselected target.
STRABISMUS Deviation of eye movement which prevents the two eyes from moving in a parallel fashion.
STUPOR Deep sleep from which a patient can be awakened with repeated noxious stimulation.
SUBACUTE A condition which has progressed beyond its initial phase.
SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE Bleeding into the space under the arachnoid membrane of the brain, most commonly from trauma or from rupture of an aneurysm.
SUBCUTANEOUS Pertaining to the fatty layer under the skin.
SUBDURAL Referring to the space beneath the dura.
SUBDURAL HEMATOMA A collection of blood under the dura.
SUPERIOR Situated above or directed toward the head.
SUPINE Lying on one's back.
SYRINGOMYELIA A fluid filled cavity within the spinal cord.
TEMPORAL LOBE The portion of the brain located at about the level of the ears. These lobes are involved in the sense of hearing and smell as well as processing of speech (left temporal lobe).
TERATOMA Tumor or growth made up of several different types of tissue (fat, bone, muscle, and skin).
THORACIC Relating to the mid-back portion of the spine.
THROMBUS A blood clot attached to the wall of an artery.
TRACHEOSTOMY A temporary surgical opening at the front of the throat providing access to the airway to assist in breathing.
ULTRASOUND The use of high-frequency sound to create images of internal body structures.
UNILATERAL Pertaining to only one side.
VALVE A device placed in a shunt system to regulate the rate and direction of cerebrospinal fluid flow.
VASOCONSTRICTION A decrease in the diameter of blood vessels.
VASODILATATION An increase in the diameter of blood vessels.
VASOPRESSOR An agent which constricts the blood vessels and raises the blood pressure.
VASOSPASM Spasm of blood vessels, decreasing their diameter and potentially diminishing blood flow to the tissues that they supply.
VENTILATOR See RESPIRATOR.
VENTRICLE The cavities or chambers within the brain which contain cerebrospinal fluid. There are two lateral ventricles and midline third and fourth ventricles.
VENTRICULITIS Inflammation and/or infection of the ventricles.
VENTRICULOGRAM An x-ray study of the ventricles.
VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNT See SHUNT.
VENTRICULOSTOMY A catheter temporarily placed into the ventricles of the brain in order to allow measurement of intracranial pressures and/or drainageof excess cerebrospinal fluid.
VERTEBRA Any one of the thirty-three bones of the spinal column.
VERTEBRAE Two or more vertebra.
VERTEBRAL BODY See VERTEBRA.
VERTEBRAL COLUMN See SPINAL COLUMN.
VERTIGO An abnormal sensation of rotation or movement of one's self or the environment.
WERNICKE’S APHASIA See RECEPTIVE APHASIA.
WHITE MATTER Tissue that is located in the interior of the brain and appears white in color due to presence of myelin.
X-RAY Application of electromagnetic radiation to produce a film or picture of a bone or soft-tissue of the body.
