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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | XA

• ABSCESS - A circumscribed collection of pus.
• ACOUSTIC NEURINOMAS - Benign tumor of the hearing nerve (eighth nerve).
• ADENOMA - A benign growth formed of glandular tissue.
• ANALGESIA - Loss of sensibility to pain, loss of response to a painful stimulus.
• ANEURYSM - Dilation of an artery, formed by a circumscribed enlargement of its wall. Saccular (berry) aneurysm - sac-like bulging on one side of an artery usually arising at an arterial branching.
• ANGIOGRAM - a study which shows the blood vessels leading to and in the brain by injecting a dye or contrast substance through a catheter placed in the artery in the leg.
• ANGIOGRAPHY - Radiography of blood vessels using the injection of material opaque to x-rays to give better definition to the vessels.
• ANOSMIC - Without the sense of smell.
• ANTI-COAGULANT - A medication that prevents coagulation of the blood.
• APHASIA - Difficulty with, or loss of use of language, in any of several ways including reading, writing or speaking. Failure of understanding of the written, printed or spoken word not related to intelligence but to specific lesions in the brain.
• ARACHNOID - Middle layer of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• ARACHNOIDITIS - Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, most commonly seen within the spinal cord around the spinal cord and cauda equina.
• ARTERIOGRAPHY - See angiography.
• ARTERIOVENOUS - Relating to both arteries and veins.
• ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATION - Collection of blood vessels with one or several abnormal communications between arteries and veins which may cause hemorrhage or seizures.
• ARTHROPLASTY - Artificial disc replacement.
• ASTROCYTE - Cell which supports the nerve cells (neurons) of the brain and spinal cord.
• ASTROCYTOMA - Tumor within the substance of the brain or spinal cord made up of astrocytes - often classified from Grade I (slow-growing) to Grade III (rapid-growing).
• ATAXIA - A loss of muscular coordination, abnormal clumsiness.
• ATROPHY - A wasting of the tissues of a body part.
• AXON - The part of a nerve cell that usually sends signals to other nerves or structures.

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B

• BELL'S PALSY - Paralysis of facial muscles (usually one side) due to facial nerve dysfunction of unknown cause.
• BIOPSY - Removal of a small portion of tissue, usually for the purpose of making a diagnosis.
• BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER - The barrier which exists between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid which prevents the passage of various substances from the bloodstream to the brain.

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C

• CARCINOMA - Cancer, a malignant growth of epithelial or gland cells.
• CAROTID ARTERY - Large artery on either side of the neck which supplies most of the cerebral hemisphere.
• CARPAL TUNNEL - Space under a ligament in wrist through which the median nerve enters the palm of the hand.
• CT SCAN - (computed tomography scan): A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer reads x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone.
• CAUDA EQUINA - The bundle of spinal nerve roots arising from the end of the spinal cord and filling the lower part of the spinal canal.
• CEREBELLUM - The lower part of the brain which is beneath the posterior portion of the cerebrum and regulates unconscious coordination of movement.
• CEREBROSPINAL FLUID - Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates around and protects the brain and spinal cord.
• CERVICAL - Of or relating to the neck.
• COCCYX - The small bone at the end of the spinal column in man, formed by the fusion of four rudimentary vertebrae. The "tail bone".
• COMA - A state of profound unconsciousness from which one cannot be awakened.
• COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN- A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer reads x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone.
• CONCUSSION - A disruption, usually temporary, of neurological function resulting from a blow or violent shaking.
• CONTUSION - A bruise; an area in which blood that has leaked out of blood vessels is mixed with brain tissue.
• CRANIECTOMY - Excision of a portion of the skull.
• CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA - Congenital tumor arising from the embryonic duct between the brain and pharynx.
• CRANIOPLASTY - The operative repair of a defect of the skull.
• CRANIOTOMY - Opening of the skull, usually by creating a flap of bone.
• CSF - Cerebrospinal Fluid.

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D

• DIFFUSE AXONAL INJURY - Damage to the axons of many nerve cells that lie in different parts of the brain.
• DIFFUSE BRAIN INJURY - Damage to the brain that can affect many parts of the brain, often in a subtle fashion.
• DIPLOPIA - Double vision, due usually to weakness or paralysis of one or more of the extra-ocular muscles.
• DISC - The intervertebral disc - cartilaginous cushion found between the vertebrae of the spinal column.
• DISCITIS - Infection within the intervertebral disc.
• DURA - Dura mater.
• DURA MATER - A tough fibrous membrane which covers the brain and spinal cord, but is separated from them by a small space.
• DYSESTHESIA - A condition in which a disagreeable sensation is produced by ordinary touch, temperature or movement.
• DYSPHASIA - Difficulty in the use of language due to a brain lesion without mental impairment.

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E

• EDEMA - Swelling, generally due to an excessive accumulation of fluid generally in extracellular.
• ELECTROENCEPHALOPGRAHY (EEG) - The study of the electrical currents set up by brain actions; the record made is called an electroencephalogram.
• ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG) - A method of recording the electrical currents generated in a muscle during its contraction.
• EPENDYMA - The membrane lining the cerebral ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.
• EPENDYMOMA - A growth in the brain or spinal cord arising from ependymal tissue.
• EPIDURAL - Immediately outside the dura mater. Same as extradural.
• EPIDURAL HEMATOMA - A blood clot between the dura mater and the inside of the skull.
• EPILEPSY - Disorder characterized by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, causing abnormal sensation, movement or level of consciousness.

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F

• FALX (CEREBRI) - An extension of dura between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
• FORAMINOTOMY - Surgical opening or enlargement of the bony opening traversed by a nerve root as it leaves the spinal canal.
• FUSIFORM ANEURYSM - a sausage-like enlargement of the vessel
• FUSION - Union, or joining together of a spinal segment.

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G

• GAMMA KNIFE - Equipment that precisely delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to a predetermined target using gamma rays.
• GCS - Glasgow Coma Scale.
• GLASGOW COMA SCALE - The most widely used system of classifying the severity of head injuries or other neurological diseases.
• GLASGOW OUTCOME SCALE - A widely used system of classifying outcome after head injury or other neurological diseases.
• GLIA (Also termed neuroglia) - The major support cells of the brain. These cells are involved in the nutrition and maintenance of the nerve cells.
• GLIOMA - A tumor formed by glial cells.
• GLIOBLASTOMA - A rapidly growing tumor composed of primitive glial cells, mainly arising from astrocytes.

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H

• HEMANGIOMA - An aggregation of multiple, dilated, blood vessels.
• HEMATOMA - A blood clot.
• HEMIANOPIA - Loss of vision of one-half of the visual field.
• HEMIPLEGIA - Paralysis of one side of the body.
• HEMORRHAGE - Bleeding due to the escape of blood from a blood vessel.
• HERNIATED NUCLEUS PULPOSUS (HNP) - Extrusion of the central portion of an intervertebral disc through the outer cartilaginous ring. The material can compress the spinal cord or nerves in or exiting the spinal canal.
• HYDROCEPHALUS - A condition, often congenital, marked by abnormal and excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles.
• HYDROMYELIA - Expansion of the spinal cord due to increased size of the central canal of the cord which is filled with CSF.
• HYPERTENSION - High blood pressure

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I

• INTRACEREBRAL HEMATOMA - A blood clot within the brain.
• INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE (ICP) - The overall pressure inside the skull.
• ISCHEMIA - Inadequate circulation of blood generally due to a blockage of an artery.

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K

• KYPHOPLASTY - A minimally invasive procedure for pathologic compression fractures that can restore the normal anatomical alignment, solidify the soft, fractured bone, and alleviate pain.

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L

• LAMINA - The flattened or arched part of the vertebral arch, forming the roof of the spinal canal.
• LAMINECTOMY - Excision of one or more laminae of the vertebrae.
• LAMINOTOMY - An opening made in a lamina.
• LEPTOMENINGES - Two thin layers of fine tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (The pia mater and arachnoid).
• LEPTOMENINGITIS - Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• LIPOMA - A benign fatty tumor, usually composed of mature fat cells.
• LORDOSIS - Curvature of the spine with the convexity forward.
• LUMBAR DRAIN - A device (usually a long, thin, flexible tube) inserted through the skin into the cerebrospinal fluid space of the lower back; provides a method of draining cerebrospinal fluid.

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M

• MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY (MRA) - A non-invasive study which is conducted in a Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI). The images are assembled by a computer to provide an image of the arteries in the head and neck. No contrast material is needed.
• MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) - Diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology rather than x-rays.
• MEDIAN NERVE - The nerve formed from the brachial plexus that supplies muscles in the anterior forearm and thumb, as well as, sensation of the hand. It may be compressed or trapped at the wrist in carpal tunnel syndrome.
• MENINGES - The three membranes covering the spinal cord and brain termed dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.
• MENINGIOMA - A firm, often vascular, tumor arising from the coverings of the brain, almost always benign.
• MENINGITIS - An infection or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• MENINGOCELE - A protrusion of the coverings of the spinal cord or brain through a defect in the skull or vertebral column.
• MENINGOENCEPHALITIS - An inflammation or infection of the brain and meninges.
• MRA - Magnetic Resonance Angiography. See above.
• MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging. See above.
• MYELIN - The fat-like substance which surrounds the axon of nerve fibers and forms an insulating material.
• MYELOGRAM - An x-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces.
• MYELOPATHY - Functional or pathologic disturbance in spinal cord function.
• MYELOMENINGOCELE - A protrusion of the spinal cord and its coverings through a defect in the vertebral column.
• MYOPATHY - Any disease of muscle.

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N

• NEURALGIA - A paroxysmal pain extending along the course of one or more nerves.
• NEURECTOMY - Excision of part of a nerve.
• NEURITIS - Inflammation of a nerve; may also be used to denote non-inflammatory nerve lesions of the peripheral nervous system.
• NEUROBLASTOMA - Tumor of sympathetic nervous system origin, 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 developmental changes in the nervous system, muscles and skin, marked by numerous tumors affecting these organ system.
• NEUROLYSIS - Removal of scar or reactive tissue from a nerve or nerve root.
• NEUROMA - A tumor or new growth largely made up of nerve fibers and connective tissue.
• NEUROPATHY - Functional or pathologic disturbance in the peripheral nervous system. Often causes numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the affected area.
• NON-UNION - A failed spinal fusion, resulting in persistent mobility of a spinal segment.

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O

• OCCIPUT - The back part of the head.
• OLIGODENDROGLIA - Non-nerve cells, (see glia) forming part of the supporting structure of the central nervous system.
• OLIGODENDROGLIOMA - A growth of new cells derived from the oligodendroglia.
• OPHTHALMOPLEGIA - Paralysis of one or more of the eye muscles.
• OSTEOMA - A benign tumor of bone.
• OSTEOMYELITIS - Inflammation of bone due to infection, which may be localized or generalized.
• OSTEOPOROSIS - A condition whereby the bones become soft and fragile, significantly increasing the risk of spine, hip, and other fractures.

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P

• PAPILLEDEMA - Swelling of the optic nerve head, can be seen in the back of the retina during eye examination.
• PARAPLEGIA - Paralysis of the lower part of the body including the legs.
• PITUITARY- Gland at base of the brain which secretes hormones into the blood stream. Those hormones then regulate other glands including the thyroid, adrenals and gonads. The "Master Gland".
• POST-ICTAL - State following a seizure, often characterized by altered function of the limbs and/or mentation.
• PROPRIOCEPTION - Sensation concerning movements of joints and position of the body in space.
• PSEUDOARTHROSIS - See NON-UNION.
• PSEUDOTUMOR CEREBRI - Raised intracranial pressure, usually causing only headache and papilledema. No clear underlying structural abnormality.
• PUPIL - The black part of the eye through which light enters; enlarges in dim light and decreases in size in bright light.

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Q

• QUADRIPLEGIA - Paralysis of all four limbs.

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R

• RADIOTHERAPY - Treatment of a lesion with radiation.

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S

• SHUNT - A tube or device implanted in the body (usually made of Silastic) to redivert excess CSF away from the brain to another place in the body...(ventriculsperitoneal, or VP shunt).
• SPINA BIFIDA - A congenital defect of the spine marked by the absence of a portion of the spine.
• SPINAL FUSION - Operative method of strengthening and limiting motion of the spinal column. Can be performed with a variety of metal instruments and bone grafts, or bone grafts alone.
• SPONDYLOLISTHESIS - Forward displacement of one vertebra on another.
• SPONDYLOSIS - Degenerative bone changes in the spine usually most marked at the vertebral joints.
• STENOSIS - Narrowing.
• STEREOTACTIC - Originated from the Greek words stereo meaning three dimensional and tactos meaning touched.
• STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY - The precise delivery of radiation to a preselected stereotactically localized target.
• SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE - Blood in, or bleeding into, the space under the arachnoid membrane over the surface of the brain, most commonly from trauma or from rupture of an aneurysm.
• SUBDURAL HEMATOMA - A collection of blood (clot) trapped under the dura matter, the outermost membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• SYRINGOMYELIA - A fluid filled cavity in the spinal cord.

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T

• TIC DOULOUREUX - (See trigeminal neuralgia)
• TRANSSPHENOIDAL APPROACH - Operative method of reaching the pituitary gland or skull base traversing the nose and sinuses.
• TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA - Paroxysmal pain in the face. Pain may be so severe that it causes an involuntary grimace or "tic". (Tic Douloureux)

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V

• VASOSPASM - Spasm of blood vessels, decreasing their diameter. Often seen after a ruptured aneurysm, in a delayed fashion. Many cause strokes.
• VENTRICLE - The cavities or chambers within the brain which contain the cerebrospinal fluid. There are two lateral ventricles and midline third and fourth ventricles.
• VENTRICULITIS - Inflammation and/or infection of the ventricles.
• VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNT - See SHUNT above.
• VENTRICULOSTOMY - An opening into the ventricles of the brain, such as by inserting a small, thin, hollow catheter.
• VENTRICULAR DRAINAGE - Insertion of a small tube into the ventricles to drain cerebrospinal fluid, usually when pressure is increased.
• VERTEBRA- Any of the thirty-three bones of the spinal column.
• VERTIGO - An abnormal sensation of rotation or movement of one's self, or the environment.
• VP SHUNT - See SHUNT above.

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