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A
ABCESS
- A circumscribed collection of pus.
ACOUSTIC
NEURINOMAS - Benign tumor of the hearing nerve (eighth
nerve).
ACROMEGALY
- Disorder marked by progressive enlargement of the head, face, hands, feet,
and thorax, due to the excessive secretion of growth hormone.
ADENOMA
- A benign growth formed of glandular tissue.
AGNOSIA
- Absence of the ability to recognize the form and nature of persons and
things.
AGRAPHIA
- Loss of the power of writing due either to muscular incoordination or to an
inability to phrase thought.
AMAUROSIS
- Loss of vision without discoverable lesion in the eye structures or optic
nerve. Amaurosis fugax - temporary blindness occurring in short periods.
AMENORRHEA
- Absence of the menses due to causes other than pregnancy or advancing age.
AMNESIA
- Loss of memory caused by brain damage or by severe emotional trauma.
ANALGESIA
- Loss of sensibility to pain, loss of response to a painful stimulus.
ANAPLASIA
- In the case of a body cell, a reversion to a more primitive condition. A term
used to denote the alteration in cell character which constitutes malignancy.
ANASTOMOSIS
- A communication, direct or indirect: A joining together. In the nervous
system a jointing of nerves or blood vessels.
ANESTHESIOLOGIST
- Physician who administers pain-killing medications during surgery.
ANENCEPHALY
- Absence of the greater part of the brain, often with skull deformity.
ANESTHESIA
- Loss of sensation of a body part; or of the body when induced by the
administration of a drug.
ANESTHESIOLOGIST
- Physician who administers pain-killing medications during surgery.
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.
ANOREXIA
- Loss of appetite; a condition marked by loss of appetite leading to weight
loss.
ANOSMIC
- Without the sense of smell.
ANOXIA
- Total lack of oxygen supply.
ANTI-COAGULANT
- A medication that prevents coagulation of the blood.
ANTIDIURETIC
- An agent which reduces the output of urine. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is
formed in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. Its
secretion reduces urine output.
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.
APNEA
- Cessation of respiration; inability to get one's breath.
APOPLEXY
- A sudden event. Often used as equivalent to stroke.
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.
AREA -
(Cortical) - A part of the brain having a special
function as in Motor a. - The cortical portion of the brain controlling
movement. Sensory a. - The cortical portion, controlling sensation.
ARTERIOGRAPHY
- See angiography.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
- Thickening and calcification of the arterial wall with loss of elasticity and
contractility.
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.
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.
ATHETOSIS
- A condition in which there is a succession of slow, writhing, involuntary
movements of the fingers and hands, and sometimes of the toes and feet.
ATROPHY
- A wasting of the tissues of a body part.
AUTONOMIC
NERVOUS SYSTEM - Involuntary nervous system, also
termed the vegetative nervous system. A system of nerve cells whose activities
are beyond voluntary control.
AVASCULAR
- Non-vascular, not provided with blood vessels.
AXON
- The part of a nerve cell that usually sends signals to other nerves or
structures.
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B
BACTERICIDAL
- Causing the death of bacteria.
BACTERIOSTATIC
- Inhibiting or retarding the growth of bacteria.
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.
BRADYCARDIA
- Slowness of the heart rate.
BRADYKINESIA
- Slowness in movement.
BROWN-SEQUARD'S
SYNDROME - Loss of sensation of touch, position sense,
and movement on the side of a spinal cord lesion, with loss of pain sensation
on the other side. Caused by a lesion limited to one side of spinal cord.
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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.
CAROTID
SINUS - Slight dilatation on the common carotid artery
at its bifurcation containing nerve cells sensitive to blood pressure.
Stimulation can cause slowing of the heart, vasodilatation and a fall in blood
pressure.
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.
CATHETER
- a small tube used to inject a dye to see the blood vessels, similar to that
used for looking at vessels in the heart.
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(from
approximately the thoraco-lumbar junction down).
CAUDATE
NUCLEUS - part of the basal ganglia which are brain
cells that lie deep in the brain.
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.
CEREBRUM
- The principal portion of the brain, which occupies the major portion of the
interior of the skull and controls conscious movement, sensation and thought.
CERVICAL
- Of or relating to the neck.
CHIASM
(OPTIC) - Crossing of visual fibers as they head toward
the opposite side of the brain. For each optic nerve most of the visual fibers
cross to the opposite side, some text directly backward on each side without
crossing.
CHOREA
- A disorder, usually of childhood, characterized by irregular, spasmodic
involuntary movements of the limbs or facial muscles.
CHOROID
PLEXUS - A vascular structure in the ventricles of the
brain which produces cerebrospinal fluid.
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 roused.
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.
CONTRAST
MEDIUM - Any material (usually opaque to x-rays)
employed to delineate or define a structure during a radiologic procedure.
CONTUSION
- A bruise; an area in which blood that has leaked out of blood vessels is
mixed with brain tissue.
CORONAL
SUTURE - The line of junction of the frontal bones and
the parietal bones of the skull.
CORTEX
- The external layer of gray matter covering the hemispheres of the cerebrum
and cerebellum.
CRANIUM
- The part of the skull that holds the brain.
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.
CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS
- Premature closure of cranial sutures, limiting or distorting the growth of
the skull.
CRANIOTOMY
- Opening of the skull, usually by creating a flap of bone.
CSF
- Cerebrospinal Fluid.
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D
DEPRESSED
SKULL FRACTURE - A break in the bones of the head in
which some bone is pushed inward, possibly pushing on or cutting into the
brain.
DIABETES
INSIPIDUS - Excretion of large amounts of urine of low
specific gravity. The inability to concentrate urine.
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; examples include diffuse axonal
injury and inadequate blood flow.
DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN
- Dilantin; a medication used to control seizures.
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. It may bulge beyond the vertebral body and compress the
nearby nerve root, causing pain. The terms "slipped disc", "ruptured disc" and
"herniated disc" are often used interchangeably even though there are subtle
differences.
DOME
- the round balloon like portion of the aneurysm which usually arises from the
artery from a smaller portion called the neck of the aneurysm.
DOPPLER
- A non-invasive study which uses sound waves to show the flow in a blood
vessel and can be used to determine the degree of narrowing (percent stenosis)
of the vessel. A wand is placed on the skin over the vessel to be imaged. This
study has no risks and is not painful.
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.
DYSTONIA
MUSCULORM DEFORMANS - An affliction occurring
especially in children, marked by muscular contractions producing distortions
of the spin and hips.
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E
EDEMA
- 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.
ENDARTERECTOMY
- Removal of fatty or cholesterol plaques and calcified deposits from the
internal wall of an artery.
ENDOCRINE
GLAND - A gland which furnishes an internal secretion,
usually having an effect on another organ.
ENDOCRINOPATHY
- Any disease due to abnormality of quantity or quality in one or more of the
internal gladular secretions.
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.
FONTANELLE
- Normal openings in he skull of infants; the largest of these is the anterior
fontanel or "soft spot" in the middle of the head.
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
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G
GALACTORRHEA
- The discharge of milk from the breasts.
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.
GLOBUS
PALLIDUS - part of the basal ganglia which are brain
cells that lie deep in the brain.
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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.
HEMIATROPHY
- Atrophy of half of an organ or half of the body.
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.
HORMONE
- A chemical substance formed in one gland or part of the body and carried by
the blood to another organ which it stimulates to functional activity.
HYDROCEPHALUS
- A condition, often congenital, marked by abnormal and excessive accumulation
of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles. This dilates the ventricles
and in infants and young children causes the head to enlarge.
HYDROMYELIA
- Expansion of the spinal cord due to increased size of the central canal of
the cord which is filled with CSF.
HYPERACUSIS
- Abnormal acuteness of hearing or auditory sensation.
HYPERESTHESIA
- Excessive sensibility to touch, pain or other stimuli.
HYPERTENSION
- High blood pressure
HYPOTHALAMUS
- A collection of specialized nerve cells at the base of the brain which
controls the anterior and posterior pituitary secretions, and is involved in
other basic regulatory functions such as temperature control and attention.
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I
INFUNDIBULUM
- A stalk extending from the base of the brain to the pituitary gland.
INTRA-AORTIC
BALLOON COUNTER PULSATION DEVICE - a pump which is
inserted into the main vessel of the body, the aorta, to help the heart deliver
blood to critical organs such as the brain or kidneys.
INTRA-ARTERIAL
CATHETERIZATION ANGIOGRAPHY - An invasive study in
which a catheter (a small tube) is placed in the artery and contrast material
is injected to which makes the blood vessels visible on an X-Ray image. The
catheter is inserted in the groin into the femoral artery (the artery to the
leg) through a needle, and is guided into the arteries in the neck and head.
This study is associated with a very small (less than 0.05 % chance of serious
complications) and requires the patient to lie in bed for approximately six
hours to allow the leg vessel to heal.
INTRACEREBRAL
HEMATOMA - A blood clot within the brain.
INTRACRANIAL
PRESSURE (ICP) - The overall pressure inside the skull.
INTRAOPERATIVE
CISTERNOGRAPHY - administration of a contrast dye into
the ventricles which are chambers in the brain that contain brain fluid
ISCHEMIA
- Inadequate circulation of blood generally due to a blockage of an artery.
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J
JUGULAR
VEINS - The major veins on each side of the neck
draining blood from the head towards the heart.
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K
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L
LABYRINTH
- The internal ear, comprising the semi-circular canals, vestibule and cochlea.
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.
LEUKODYSTROPHY
- Disturbance of the white matter of the brain.
LEUKOENCEPHALITIS
- An inflammation of the white matter of the brain.
LINEAR
ACCELERATOR - Equipment that precisely delivers a
concentrated dose of radiation to a predetermined target using x-rays.
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 magnetic images
are assembled by a computer to provide an image of the arteries in the head and
neck. No contrast material is needed, but some patients may experience
claustrophobia in the imager.
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.
MEDULLOBLASTOMA
- Tumor composed of medulloblasts which are cells which develop in the roof of
the fourth ventricle (medullary velum).
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.
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.
MENINGOENCEPHALOCELE
- A protrusion of both the meninges and brain tissue through a skull defect.
MRA
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography. A non-invasive study which is conducted in a
Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI). The magnetic images are assembled by a
computer to provide an image of the arteries in the head and neck. No contrast
material is needed, but some patients may experience claustrophobia in the
imager.
MRI
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Scanning technique for views of the brain or
spinal cord. No radiation is involved, but rather pulsed magnetic waves are
used to delineate the structures within the brain.
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
- Any functional or 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.
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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.
NEUROHYPOPHYSIS
- The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
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
- Any functional or pathologic disturbance in the peripheral nervous system.
NYSTAGMUS
- Involuntary rapid movement of the eyes in the horizontal, vertical or rotary
planes of the eyeball.
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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.
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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.
PERITONEAL
CAVITY - Body cavity in which the abdominal organs are
situated.
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".
POLYNEURITIS
- Inflammation of two or more nerves simultaneously.
PORENCEPHALY
- Abnormal cavity within brain tissue, usually resulting from outpouching of a
lateral ventricle.
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.
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
QUADRANTANOPIA
- Defect in vision or blindness in one fourth of the visual field.
QUADRIPLEGIA
- Paralysis of all four limbs
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R
RACHISCHISIS
- Abnormal congenital opening of the vertebral column.
RADIATION
ONCOLOGIST - A medical doctor who has received advanced
training in the treatment of persons receiving x-ray treatment for an illness.
RADIATION
PHYSICIST - A person having a PhD degree who is trained
in the science dealing with the properties, changes and interactions of
continuous energy.
RADIOLOGIST
- A medical doctor who has received specialized training in interpreting
x-rays, CTs, MRIs and performing angiography.
RADIOTHERAPY
- Treatment of a lesion with radiation.
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S
SACCULAR
ANEURYSM - a balloon-like outpouching of a vessel (the
more common type of aneurysm).
SCOTOMA
- An area of decreased vision surrounded by an area of less depressed or normal
vision.
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.
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.
STRABISMUS
- Deviation of eye movement which prevents the two eyes from moving in a
parallel fashion.
SUBARACHNOID
HEMORRHAGE - Blood in, or bleeding into, the space
under the arachnoid membrane, 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
TERATOMA
- tumor or growth made up of several different types of tissue (fat, bone,
muscle, skin).
THROMBUS
- A blood clot attached to the wall of an artery.
THALAMUS
- brain cells which lie in the upper part of the brainstem.
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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U
ULTRASOUND
- The use of high-frequency sound to create images of internal body structures.
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V
VALVE
- Device placed in a shunt system to regulate the rate and direction of CSF
flow.
VASOCONSTRICTION
- A decrease in the diameter of blood vessels.
VASODILATATION
- An increase in the diameter of blood vessels.
VASOPRESSIN
- A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary
which raises blood pressure and increases reabsorption of water by the kidneys.
VASOPRESSOR
- An agent which constricts the arteries and raises blood pressure.
VASOSPASM
- Spasm of blood vessels, decreasing their diameter.
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.
VENTRICULOGRAM
- An xray study of the ventricles.
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.
VERMIS
- Middle part of the cerebellum between the two hemispheres.
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.
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W
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X
X-RAY
- Application of electromagnetic radiation to produce a film or picture of a
bone or soft-tissue area of the body.
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Y
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Z
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