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Neurological Anatomical Terms
abducens cranial nerve(VI) - The sixth cranial nerve is a somatic efferent nerve that controls the movement of movement of a single muscle, the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, in humans.
accessory cranial nerve (XI) - The 11th of the 12 cranial nerves which controls specific muscles of the shoulder and neck.
autonomic nervous system (ANS) - The autonomic nervous system (ANS or visceral nervous system) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system functioning largely below the level of consciousness, and controls visceral functions
brain - The controlling center of the nervous system in vertebrates, connected to the spinal cord and enclosed in the cranium.
brain stem - The posterior part of the brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the spinal cord
central nervous system - The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies
Cerebellum - Rear part of the brain
cerebral cortex - Outer layer of front of brain
cerebral hemisphere - Either of the two symmetrical halves of the brain cerebrum
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) - A clear, colorless, bodily fluid, that occupies the subarachnoid space and the ventricular system around and inside the brain and spinal cord
cerebrum - Front of brain, it is where activities including reasoning, learning, sensory perception, and emotional responses take place.
congenital - Existing at birth
cranial nerves - Cranial nerves are nerves that emerge directly from the brain, in contrast to spinal nerves, which emerge from segments of the spinal cord
facial cranial nerve(VII) - The facial nerve is the seventh (VII) of twelve paired cranial nerves. It emerges from the brainstem between the pons and the medulla, and controls the muscles of facial expression, and functions in the conveyance of taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and oral cavity.
frontal lobe - The frontal lobe is an area in the brain of humans and other mammals, located at the front of each cerebral hemisphere and positioned anterior to (in front of) the parietal lobe and superior and anterior to the temporal lobes
glossopharyngeal cranial nerve(IX) - The ninth (IX) of twelve pairs of cranial nerves, the motor division of the glossopharyngeal nerve is derived from the basal plate of the embryonic medulla oblongata, while the sensory division originates from the cranial neural crest.
gray matter - A major component of the central nervous systemwhich is made up of neuronal cell bodies and which regions of the brain involved in muscle control, sensory perception such as seeing and hearing, memory, emotions, and speech.
Gyri (plural of gyrus) - A convolution, especially of the brain.
hypoglossal cranial nerve(XII) - The hypoglossal nerve is the twelfth cranial nerve (XII), leading to the tongue.
hypothalamus - A central area on the underside of the brain, controlling involuntary functions such as body temperature and the release of hormones
medulla oblongata - Lower part of the brain
meninges - Protective spine and brain membranes
motor nerves - These are the nerves which are supplied from the brain to the muscles and the glands to perform a function, they are used in contracting and relaxing the muscles to perform certain specified functions.
nerve - Fiber bundle transmitting impulses
neurologist - A physician who specializes in neurology
neurology - A study of nervous system
neurosurgeon - A surgeon who specializes in operating on the brain, head, neck, and spinal cord.
occipital lobe - The occipital lobe is the visual processing center of the mammalian brain containing most of the anatomical region of the visual cortex.
oculomotor cranial nerve(III) - The oculomotor nerve is the 3rd of 12 paired cranial nerves and controls most of the eye's movements.
olfactory bulb - The olfactory bulb is a structure of the vertebrate forebrain involved in olfaction, the perception of odors.
olfactory cranial nerve(I) - The first of twelve cranial nerves. It is instrumental in the sense of smell.
olfactory tract - The olfactory tract is a bundle of axons connecting the mitral and tufted cells of the olfactory bulb to several target regions in the brain.
optic cranial nerve (II) - The cranial nerve 2, transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.
optic tract - The optic tract is a part of the visual system in the brain.
parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) - The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is one of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
parietal lobe - The parietal lobe is a part of the brain positioned above (superior to) the occipital lobe and behind (posterior to) the frontal lobe
peripheral nervous system (PNS) - The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord The main function of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the limbs and organs.
sensory nerves - Sensory nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system which includes the cranial and spinal nerves.
spinal cord - Inner part of the spine containing nerves
spinal nerves - Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves originate from the spinal cord
sulci - A depression or fissure in the surface of the brain.
sympathetic nervous system (SNS) - One of the three parts of the autonomic nervous system, along with the enteric and parasympathetic systems
temporal lobe - Part of the brain controlling hearing, memory, and speech.
thalamus (diencephalon) - The thalamus is a large, dual lobed mass of grey matter buried under the cerebral cortex. It is involved in sensory perception and regulation of motor functions.
trigeminal cranial nerve(V) - The fifth cranial nerve contains both sensory and motor fibers. It is responsible for sensation in the face and certain motor functions such as biting, chewing, and swallowing.
trochlear cranial nerve(IV) - The fourth cranial nerve is a motor nerve (a “somatic efferent” nerve) that innervates a single muscle: the superior oblique muscle of the eye.
vagus cranial nerve (X) - The tenth cranial nerve which supplies nerve fibers to the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), lungs, heart, esophagus and most of the intestinal tract (as far as the transverse portion of the colon). And the vagus nerve brings sensory information back from the ear, tongue, pharynx and larynx.
ventricles - The ventricles of the brain are a communicating network of cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and located within the brain.
vestibulocochlear cranial nerve (VIII) - The eighth of twelve cranial nerves and is responsible for transmitting sound and equilibrium (balance) information from the inner ear to the brain.
white matter - White matter is one of the two components of the central nervous system and consists mostly of glial cells and myelinated axons that transmit signals from one region of the cerebrum to another and between the cerebrum and lower brain centers
accessory cranial nerve (XI) - The 11th of the 12 cranial nerves which controls specific muscles of the shoulder and neck.
autonomic nervous system (ANS) - The autonomic nervous system (ANS or visceral nervous system) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system functioning largely below the level of consciousness, and controls visceral functions
brain - The controlling center of the nervous system in vertebrates, connected to the spinal cord and enclosed in the cranium.
brain stem - The posterior part of the brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the spinal cord
central nervous system - The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies
Cerebellum - Rear part of the brain
cerebral cortex - Outer layer of front of brain
cerebral hemisphere - Either of the two symmetrical halves of the brain cerebrum
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) - A clear, colorless, bodily fluid, that occupies the subarachnoid space and the ventricular system around and inside the brain and spinal cord
cerebrum - Front of brain, it is where activities including reasoning, learning, sensory perception, and emotional responses take place.
congenital - Existing at birth
cranial nerves - Cranial nerves are nerves that emerge directly from the brain, in contrast to spinal nerves, which emerge from segments of the spinal cord
facial cranial nerve(VII) - The facial nerve is the seventh (VII) of twelve paired cranial nerves. It emerges from the brainstem between the pons and the medulla, and controls the muscles of facial expression, and functions in the conveyance of taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and oral cavity.
frontal lobe - The frontal lobe is an area in the brain of humans and other mammals, located at the front of each cerebral hemisphere and positioned anterior to (in front of) the parietal lobe and superior and anterior to the temporal lobes
glossopharyngeal cranial nerve(IX) - The ninth (IX) of twelve pairs of cranial nerves, the motor division of the glossopharyngeal nerve is derived from the basal plate of the embryonic medulla oblongata, while the sensory division originates from the cranial neural crest.
gray matter - A major component of the central nervous systemwhich is made up of neuronal cell bodies and which regions of the brain involved in muscle control, sensory perception such as seeing and hearing, memory, emotions, and speech.
Gyri (plural of gyrus) - A convolution, especially of the brain.
hypoglossal cranial nerve(XII) - The hypoglossal nerve is the twelfth cranial nerve (XII), leading to the tongue.
hypothalamus - A central area on the underside of the brain, controlling involuntary functions such as body temperature and the release of hormones
medulla oblongata - Lower part of the brain
meninges - Protective spine and brain membranes
motor nerves - These are the nerves which are supplied from the brain to the muscles and the glands to perform a function, they are used in contracting and relaxing the muscles to perform certain specified functions.
nerve - Fiber bundle transmitting impulses
neurologist - A physician who specializes in neurology
neurology - A study of nervous system
neurosurgeon - A surgeon who specializes in operating on the brain, head, neck, and spinal cord.
occipital lobe - The occipital lobe is the visual processing center of the mammalian brain containing most of the anatomical region of the visual cortex.
oculomotor cranial nerve(III) - The oculomotor nerve is the 3rd of 12 paired cranial nerves and controls most of the eye's movements.
olfactory bulb - The olfactory bulb is a structure of the vertebrate forebrain involved in olfaction, the perception of odors.
olfactory cranial nerve(I) - The first of twelve cranial nerves. It is instrumental in the sense of smell.
olfactory tract - The olfactory tract is a bundle of axons connecting the mitral and tufted cells of the olfactory bulb to several target regions in the brain.
optic cranial nerve (II) - The cranial nerve 2, transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.
optic tract - The optic tract is a part of the visual system in the brain.
parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) - The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is one of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
parietal lobe - The parietal lobe is a part of the brain positioned above (superior to) the occipital lobe and behind (posterior to) the frontal lobe
peripheral nervous system (PNS) - The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord The main function of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the limbs and organs.
sensory nerves - Sensory nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system which includes the cranial and spinal nerves.
spinal cord - Inner part of the spine containing nerves
spinal nerves - Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves originate from the spinal cord
sulci - A depression or fissure in the surface of the brain.
sympathetic nervous system (SNS) - One of the three parts of the autonomic nervous system, along with the enteric and parasympathetic systems
temporal lobe - Part of the brain controlling hearing, memory, and speech.
thalamus (diencephalon) - The thalamus is a large, dual lobed mass of grey matter buried under the cerebral cortex. It is involved in sensory perception and regulation of motor functions.
trigeminal cranial nerve(V) - The fifth cranial nerve contains both sensory and motor fibers. It is responsible for sensation in the face and certain motor functions such as biting, chewing, and swallowing.
trochlear cranial nerve(IV) - The fourth cranial nerve is a motor nerve (a “somatic efferent” nerve) that innervates a single muscle: the superior oblique muscle of the eye.
vagus cranial nerve (X) - The tenth cranial nerve which supplies nerve fibers to the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), lungs, heart, esophagus and most of the intestinal tract (as far as the transverse portion of the colon). And the vagus nerve brings sensory information back from the ear, tongue, pharynx and larynx.
ventricles - The ventricles of the brain are a communicating network of cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and located within the brain.
vestibulocochlear cranial nerve (VIII) - The eighth of twelve cranial nerves and is responsible for transmitting sound and equilibrium (balance) information from the inner ear to the brain.
white matter - White matter is one of the two components of the central nervous system and consists mostly of glial cells and myelinated axons that transmit signals from one region of the cerebrum to another and between the cerebrum and lower brain centers
Neurological Disease Related Terms
abdominal seizures -Abdominal epilepsy, sometimes referred to as autonomic seizures, is a very rare form of seizure which presents with the acute onset of symptoms seemingly related to the gastrointestinal system.
abscess - An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body that, in most cases, causes swelling and inflammation around it.
adult hydrocephalus - Adult hydrocephalus is hydrocephalus which occurs in an adult patient.
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/ Lou Gehrig's disease - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.
Aneurysm - An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.
aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage - A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the subarachnoid space—the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater surrounding the brain. This may occur spontaneously, usually from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, or may result from head injury.
aqueductal stenosis - Aqueductal stenosis is a common cause of obstructive hydrocephalus.
Arnold Chiari malformation - Arnold–Chiari malformation, or often simply Chiari malformation, is a malformation of the brain.
arteriovenous fistulas - An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between an artery and a vein.
arteriovenous malformation (AVM) - Arteriovenous malformation or AVM is an abnormal connection between veins and arteries, usually congenital.
astrocytoma - A malignant brain tumor made up of star-shaped cells astrocytes.
bacterial meningitis - Bacterial meningitis refers to meningitis that is caused by bacterial infection.
brain ischemia/cerebral ischemia - A condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand
brain tumor - A brain tumor, or tumour, is an intracranial solid neoplasm, a tumor (defined as an abnormal growth of cells) within the brain or the central spinal canal.
cavernous malformation - The well-defined, grossly visible lesions that may reach a significant size. They are composed of a compact mass of sinusoidal-type vessels immediately in apposition to each other without any recognizable intervening neural parenchyma.
cerebral aneurysm - A cerebral or brain aneurysm is a cerebrovascular disorder in which weakness in the wall of a cerebral artery or vein causes a localized dilation or ballooning of the blood vessel.
cerebral contusion - A bruise of the brain tissue.
cerebral ischemia or cerebral infarction -The reduction or loss of oxygen to the cerebrum
Cerebritis - An inflammation of the cerebrum
cerebrovascular disease/stroke - A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops.
cervical herniated disc - A herniated disc in the neck can cause neck pain, arm pain, and numbness or weakness.
cervical spinal stenosis - Cervical spinal stenosis is a bone disease involving the narrowing of the spinal canal at the level of the neck.
Chiari malformation - A herniation of the brain into the spinal canal.
cluster headache - A cluster headache is one-sided head pain that may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose.
complex partial seizure - A complex partial seizure is an epileptic seizure that is associated with bilateral cerebral hemisphere involvement and causes impairment of awareness or responsiveness, i.e. loss of consciousness.
Concussion - An injury to the brain, often resulting from a blow to the head, that can cause temporary disorientation, memory loss, or unconsciousness
congenital hydrocephalus - Increased fluid around the brain existing at birth
cortical dysplasia - Cortical dysplasia is a malformation of the cortex of the brain which can lead to pediatric epilepsy.
cystic astrocytoma - A neoplasm of the brain that occurs more often in children and young adults
degenerative spinal disease Degenerative spine disease is a general term that refers to any disease of the spinal column that results from the aging process and wear and tear that occurs to the bone and soft tissues of the spine.
Diastematomyelia - Diastematomyelia is a rare congenital anomaly that results in the "splitting" of the spinal cord in a longitudinal (sagittal) direction.
diffuse axonal injury - Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most common and devastating types of traumatic brain injury, meaning that damage occurs over a more widespread area than in focal brain injury.
Encephalitis - Inflammation of brain
Encephalocele/ cranium bifidum - A neural tube defect characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain and the membranes that cover it through openings in the skull.
epidural hematoma - A type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in which a buildup of blood occurs between the dura mater (the tough outer membrane of the central nervous system) and the skull.
Epilepsy - Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time.
extra-axial tumors - Extra-axial tumors most commonly arise from the meninges, calvarium, or skull base
febrile seizures - A febrile seizure is a convulsion in a child triggered by a fever.
Fissures - A break or tear in the skin
foraminal stenosis - A narrowing of the spinal foramen, the hole through which passes a spinal nerve as it exits the spine
fungal meningitis - A meningitis caused by a fungal infection
ganglioglioma - Ganglioglioma is a tumour that arises from ganglion cells in the central nervous system.
generalized seizure - A form of epilepsy characterized by generalized seizures with no apparent cause
grand mal or tonic clonic seizures -A seizure which features a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions.
Hematoma - A localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, usually in liquid form within the tissue
hemimegalencephaly - A rare hamartomatous malformation of the brain, remarkable for its extreme asymmetry
Hemorrhage - The loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, either internally or externally
herniated disc - Due to rupture of the spinal disc a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary this is called a herniated disc.
herpes encephalitis - Herpes encephalitis is a form of viral encephalitis caused specifically by a herpes virus.
Hydrocephalus - A buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling.
hypertensive hemorrhage - Bleeding within the brain of adjacent structures which results from systemic hypertension, usually in association with intracranial arteriosclerosis.
infantile spasms - The term "infantile spasms" can be used to describe the specific seizure manifestation in the syndrome, but is also used as a synonym for the syndrome itself.
Infarction - Tissue death (necrosis)
infiltrative - Relating to or characterized by infiltration
intra-axial tumor - A brain tumor
Intracranial - Within or introduced into the skull
intracranial pressure (ICP) - The pressure inside the skull and thus in the brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) - Bleeding within brain parenchyma
Lesion - A wound, especially an area of skin that is broken or infected
Lou Gehrig's disease/ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - A disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement
lumbar herniated disc - A lumbar herniated disc causes an irritation of the spinal nerve root in the lower back which prompts lower back pain or sciatica symptoms such as leg pain.
lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) - A medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves at the level of the lumbar vertebra
lymphoma - Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system.
Mass - Lump
Medulloblastoma - Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant primary brain tumor that originates in the cerebellum or posterior fossa.
meningitis - Inflammation of meninges
Meningocele - Protrusion of meninges through skull
migraine headache - A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.
moyamoya disease - A disease in which certain arteries in the brain are constricted
multiple sclerosis (MS) - Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Myelomeningocele - Myelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth.
nervous system infections - Infections of nervous system
Neurofibromatosis/ von Recklinghausen disease - A genetically-inherited disorder in which the nerve tissue grows tumors (neurofibromas) that may be benign or may cause serious damage by compressing nerves and other tissues.
normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)/ symptomatic hydrocephalus - A clinical symptom complex characterized by abnormal gait, urinary incontinence, and dementia.
oligodendroglioma - Oligodendrogliomas are a type of glioma that are believed to originate from the oligodendrocytes of the brain or from a glial precursor cell.
Parkinson's disease - Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.
partial seizures/ focal seizures/ localized seizures - Seizures which affect only a part of the brain at onset.
pediatric (congenital) hydrocephalus - An abnormality of the normal flow of fluid in and around the brain which is present from the time of birth.
pediatric and infant seizures -
petit mal or absence - Absence seizures are brief (usually less than 20 seconds), generalized epileptic seizures of sudden onset and termination.
polycystic kidney disease - Polycystic kidney disease is a kidney disorder passed down through families in which many cysts form in the kidneys, causing them to become enlarged.
post-traumatic seizures - Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are seizures that result rom traumatic brain injury ( TBI), brain damage caused by physical trauma.
primary generalized - seizures which start as a generalized seizure, involving the whole brain.
pseudomotor cerebri - Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when the pressure inside your skull (intracranial pressure) increases for no obvious reason
Rasmussen's encephalitis/ chronic focal encephalitis (CFE) - A rare inflammatory neurological disorder, characterized by frequent and severe seizures, loss of motor skills and speech, hemiparesis (paralysis on one side of the body), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and dementia.
Sciatica - A pain and tenderness extending from the back of the hip down to the calf, usually caused by a protrusion of vertebral disk substance pressing on the roots of the sciatic nerve
secondary generalization - A partial seizure may spread within the brain—a process known as secondary generalization.
seizure - A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
simple partial seizure - Simple partial seizures are seizures which affect only a small region of the brain, often the temporal lobes and/or hippocampi.
spasm - Involuntary muscle contraction
spina bifida occulta - Spina Bifida Occulta refers to a group of conditions involving the spinal column.
spina bifida/ myelomeningocele - A birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth.
spinal cord trauma - Spinal cord trauma is damage to the spinal cord
spinal dermal sinus -
spinal dysraphism - A general name for several types of congenital malformations of the spine.
spinal instability - The loss of the spinal soft tissues
spinal lipoma - Fat accumulations within the spine
spinal meningitis - inflammation and swelling within the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
spinal stenosis - A narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord
spinal tumors - A spinal tumor is a growth of cells (mass) in or surrounding the spinal cord.
status epilepticus (SE) - A life-threatening condition in which the brain is in a state of persistent seizure.
stroke/brain attack - A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops
Sturge-weber syndrome - A rare disorder that is present at birth. A child with this condition will have a port-wine stain birthmark (usually on the face) and nervous system problems.
subarachnoid hemorrhage - The bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain
subdural empyema/abscess - An intracranial focal collection of purulent material located between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater.
subdural hematoma - A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood on the surface of the brain.
syringomyelia - Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord due to the formation of a fluid-filled area within the cord.
Tay-Sachs disease - Tay-Sachs disease is a deadly disease of the nervous system passed down through families.
telangiectasias - Telangiectasias are typically small (0.3-1.0 cm) lesions composed of capillary type vessels separated from each other by more or less normal-appearing neural parenchyma
temporal lobe epilepsies - The temporal lobe is the most epileptic region of the brain.
tension headache - A tension headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.
thoracic herniated disc - A herniated disc occurs when the intervertebral disc's outer fibers (the annulus) are damaged and the soft inner material of the nucleus pulposus ruptures out of its normal space.
tight filum terminale syndrome - Tight filum terminale syndrome is caused by incomplete involution of the distal spinal cord during embryogenesis.
Todd's paralysis/Todd's paresis - A focal weakness in a part of the body after a seizure.
transient ischemic attack (TIA) - A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief period of time.
traumatic brain injury (TBI)/ intracranial injury - Traumatic brain injury happens when a bump, blow, jolt, or other head injury causes damage to the brain.
traumatic coma - A traumatic coma is a decrease in the level of consciousness due to a traumatic injury to the head.
traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage - The prognosis of head trauma is thought to be influenced in part by the location and amount of subarachnoid bleeding.
tuberous sclerosis -Tuberous sclerosis is a group of two genetic disorders that affect the skin, brain/nervous system, kidneys, and heart, and cause tumors to grow.
tumor - An abnormal growth of body tissue
tumor-associated hydrocephalus -Tumor-associated non-communicating hydrocephalus is a form of obstructive hydrocephalus which is caused by a brain tumor.
type I malformation
type I neurofibromatosis
type II malformation
type II neurofibromatosis
type III malformation
viral encephalitis - Viral encephalitis refers to a type of encephalitis caused by a virus.
viral meningitis - Viral meningitis refers to a type of meningitis caused by a virus.
Von Hippel Lindau syndrome - Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome is an inherited multi-system disorder characterized by abnormal growth of blood vessels.
abscess - An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body that, in most cases, causes swelling and inflammation around it.
adult hydrocephalus - Adult hydrocephalus is hydrocephalus which occurs in an adult patient.
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/ Lou Gehrig's disease - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.
Aneurysm - An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.
aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage - A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the subarachnoid space—the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater surrounding the brain. This may occur spontaneously, usually from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, or may result from head injury.
aqueductal stenosis - Aqueductal stenosis is a common cause of obstructive hydrocephalus.
Arnold Chiari malformation - Arnold–Chiari malformation, or often simply Chiari malformation, is a malformation of the brain.
arteriovenous fistulas - An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between an artery and a vein.
arteriovenous malformation (AVM) - Arteriovenous malformation or AVM is an abnormal connection between veins and arteries, usually congenital.
astrocytoma - A malignant brain tumor made up of star-shaped cells astrocytes.
bacterial meningitis - Bacterial meningitis refers to meningitis that is caused by bacterial infection.
brain ischemia/cerebral ischemia - A condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand
brain tumor - A brain tumor, or tumour, is an intracranial solid neoplasm, a tumor (defined as an abnormal growth of cells) within the brain or the central spinal canal.
cavernous malformation - The well-defined, grossly visible lesions that may reach a significant size. They are composed of a compact mass of sinusoidal-type vessels immediately in apposition to each other without any recognizable intervening neural parenchyma.
cerebral aneurysm - A cerebral or brain aneurysm is a cerebrovascular disorder in which weakness in the wall of a cerebral artery or vein causes a localized dilation or ballooning of the blood vessel.
cerebral contusion - A bruise of the brain tissue.
cerebral ischemia or cerebral infarction -The reduction or loss of oxygen to the cerebrum
Cerebritis - An inflammation of the cerebrum
cerebrovascular disease/stroke - A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops.
cervical herniated disc - A herniated disc in the neck can cause neck pain, arm pain, and numbness or weakness.
cervical spinal stenosis - Cervical spinal stenosis is a bone disease involving the narrowing of the spinal canal at the level of the neck.
Chiari malformation - A herniation of the brain into the spinal canal.
cluster headache - A cluster headache is one-sided head pain that may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose.
complex partial seizure - A complex partial seizure is an epileptic seizure that is associated with bilateral cerebral hemisphere involvement and causes impairment of awareness or responsiveness, i.e. loss of consciousness.
Concussion - An injury to the brain, often resulting from a blow to the head, that can cause temporary disorientation, memory loss, or unconsciousness
congenital hydrocephalus - Increased fluid around the brain existing at birth
cortical dysplasia - Cortical dysplasia is a malformation of the cortex of the brain which can lead to pediatric epilepsy.
cystic astrocytoma - A neoplasm of the brain that occurs more often in children and young adults
degenerative spinal disease Degenerative spine disease is a general term that refers to any disease of the spinal column that results from the aging process and wear and tear that occurs to the bone and soft tissues of the spine.
Diastematomyelia - Diastematomyelia is a rare congenital anomaly that results in the "splitting" of the spinal cord in a longitudinal (sagittal) direction.
diffuse axonal injury - Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most common and devastating types of traumatic brain injury, meaning that damage occurs over a more widespread area than in focal brain injury.
Encephalitis - Inflammation of brain
Encephalocele/ cranium bifidum - A neural tube defect characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain and the membranes that cover it through openings in the skull.
epidural hematoma - A type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in which a buildup of blood occurs between the dura mater (the tough outer membrane of the central nervous system) and the skull.
Epilepsy - Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time.
extra-axial tumors - Extra-axial tumors most commonly arise from the meninges, calvarium, or skull base
febrile seizures - A febrile seizure is a convulsion in a child triggered by a fever.
Fissures - A break or tear in the skin
foraminal stenosis - A narrowing of the spinal foramen, the hole through which passes a spinal nerve as it exits the spine
fungal meningitis - A meningitis caused by a fungal infection
ganglioglioma - Ganglioglioma is a tumour that arises from ganglion cells in the central nervous system.
generalized seizure - A form of epilepsy characterized by generalized seizures with no apparent cause
grand mal or tonic clonic seizures -A seizure which features a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions.
Hematoma - A localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, usually in liquid form within the tissue
hemimegalencephaly - A rare hamartomatous malformation of the brain, remarkable for its extreme asymmetry
Hemorrhage - The loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, either internally or externally
herniated disc - Due to rupture of the spinal disc a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary this is called a herniated disc.
herpes encephalitis - Herpes encephalitis is a form of viral encephalitis caused specifically by a herpes virus.
Hydrocephalus - A buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling.
hypertensive hemorrhage - Bleeding within the brain of adjacent structures which results from systemic hypertension, usually in association with intracranial arteriosclerosis.
infantile spasms - The term "infantile spasms" can be used to describe the specific seizure manifestation in the syndrome, but is also used as a synonym for the syndrome itself.
Infarction - Tissue death (necrosis)
infiltrative - Relating to or characterized by infiltration
intra-axial tumor - A brain tumor
Intracranial - Within or introduced into the skull
intracranial pressure (ICP) - The pressure inside the skull and thus in the brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) - Bleeding within brain parenchyma
Lesion - A wound, especially an area of skin that is broken or infected
Lou Gehrig's disease/ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - A disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement
lumbar herniated disc - A lumbar herniated disc causes an irritation of the spinal nerve root in the lower back which prompts lower back pain or sciatica symptoms such as leg pain.
lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) - A medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves at the level of the lumbar vertebra
lymphoma - Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system.
Mass - Lump
Medulloblastoma - Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant primary brain tumor that originates in the cerebellum or posterior fossa.
meningitis - Inflammation of meninges
Meningocele - Protrusion of meninges through skull
migraine headache - A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.
moyamoya disease - A disease in which certain arteries in the brain are constricted
multiple sclerosis (MS) - Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Myelomeningocele - Myelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth.
nervous system infections - Infections of nervous system
Neurofibromatosis/ von Recklinghausen disease - A genetically-inherited disorder in which the nerve tissue grows tumors (neurofibromas) that may be benign or may cause serious damage by compressing nerves and other tissues.
normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)/ symptomatic hydrocephalus - A clinical symptom complex characterized by abnormal gait, urinary incontinence, and dementia.
oligodendroglioma - Oligodendrogliomas are a type of glioma that are believed to originate from the oligodendrocytes of the brain or from a glial precursor cell.
Parkinson's disease - Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.
partial seizures/ focal seizures/ localized seizures - Seizures which affect only a part of the brain at onset.
pediatric (congenital) hydrocephalus - An abnormality of the normal flow of fluid in and around the brain which is present from the time of birth.
pediatric and infant seizures -
petit mal or absence - Absence seizures are brief (usually less than 20 seconds), generalized epileptic seizures of sudden onset and termination.
polycystic kidney disease - Polycystic kidney disease is a kidney disorder passed down through families in which many cysts form in the kidneys, causing them to become enlarged.
post-traumatic seizures - Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are seizures that result rom traumatic brain injury ( TBI), brain damage caused by physical trauma.
primary generalized - seizures which start as a generalized seizure, involving the whole brain.
pseudomotor cerebri - Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when the pressure inside your skull (intracranial pressure) increases for no obvious reason
Rasmussen's encephalitis/ chronic focal encephalitis (CFE) - A rare inflammatory neurological disorder, characterized by frequent and severe seizures, loss of motor skills and speech, hemiparesis (paralysis on one side of the body), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and dementia.
Sciatica - A pain and tenderness extending from the back of the hip down to the calf, usually caused by a protrusion of vertebral disk substance pressing on the roots of the sciatic nerve
secondary generalization - A partial seizure may spread within the brain—a process known as secondary generalization.
seizure - A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
simple partial seizure - Simple partial seizures are seizures which affect only a small region of the brain, often the temporal lobes and/or hippocampi.
spasm - Involuntary muscle contraction
spina bifida occulta - Spina Bifida Occulta refers to a group of conditions involving the spinal column.
spina bifida/ myelomeningocele - A birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth.
spinal cord trauma - Spinal cord trauma is damage to the spinal cord
spinal dermal sinus -
spinal dysraphism - A general name for several types of congenital malformations of the spine.
spinal instability - The loss of the spinal soft tissues
spinal lipoma - Fat accumulations within the spine
spinal meningitis - inflammation and swelling within the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
spinal stenosis - A narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord
spinal tumors - A spinal tumor is a growth of cells (mass) in or surrounding the spinal cord.
status epilepticus (SE) - A life-threatening condition in which the brain is in a state of persistent seizure.
stroke/brain attack - A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops
Sturge-weber syndrome - A rare disorder that is present at birth. A child with this condition will have a port-wine stain birthmark (usually on the face) and nervous system problems.
subarachnoid hemorrhage - The bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain
subdural empyema/abscess - An intracranial focal collection of purulent material located between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater.
subdural hematoma - A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood on the surface of the brain.
syringomyelia - Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord due to the formation of a fluid-filled area within the cord.
Tay-Sachs disease - Tay-Sachs disease is a deadly disease of the nervous system passed down through families.
telangiectasias - Telangiectasias are typically small (0.3-1.0 cm) lesions composed of capillary type vessels separated from each other by more or less normal-appearing neural parenchyma
temporal lobe epilepsies - The temporal lobe is the most epileptic region of the brain.
tension headache - A tension headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.
thoracic herniated disc - A herniated disc occurs when the intervertebral disc's outer fibers (the annulus) are damaged and the soft inner material of the nucleus pulposus ruptures out of its normal space.
tight filum terminale syndrome - Tight filum terminale syndrome is caused by incomplete involution of the distal spinal cord during embryogenesis.
Todd's paralysis/Todd's paresis - A focal weakness in a part of the body after a seizure.
transient ischemic attack (TIA) - A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief period of time.
traumatic brain injury (TBI)/ intracranial injury - Traumatic brain injury happens when a bump, blow, jolt, or other head injury causes damage to the brain.
traumatic coma - A traumatic coma is a decrease in the level of consciousness due to a traumatic injury to the head.
traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage - The prognosis of head trauma is thought to be influenced in part by the location and amount of subarachnoid bleeding.
tuberous sclerosis -Tuberous sclerosis is a group of two genetic disorders that affect the skin, brain/nervous system, kidneys, and heart, and cause tumors to grow.
tumor - An abnormal growth of body tissue
tumor-associated hydrocephalus -Tumor-associated non-communicating hydrocephalus is a form of obstructive hydrocephalus which is caused by a brain tumor.
type I malformation
type I neurofibromatosis
type II malformation
type II neurofibromatosis
type III malformation
viral encephalitis - Viral encephalitis refers to a type of encephalitis caused by a virus.
viral meningitis - Viral meningitis refers to a type of meningitis caused by a virus.
Von Hippel Lindau syndrome - Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome is an inherited multi-system disorder characterized by abnormal growth of blood vessels.
Neurological Treatment Related Terms
aneurysm clipping - Aneurysm clipping is a surgical procedure performed to treat a balloon-like bulge of an artery wall known as an aneurysm.
aneurysm coiling - Aneurysm coiling is a minimally invasive procedure performed to treat an aneurysm, a balloon like bulge of an artery wall.
anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) - Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure to treat nerve root or spinal cord compression by decompressing the spinal cord and nerve roots of the cervical spine in order to stabilize the corresponding vertebrae.
Burr hole - A burr hole for subdural hematoma is performed to remove a hemorrhage (blood clot) from around the surface of the brain.
cerebral angiogram - Cerebral angiography is a form of angiography which provides images of blood vessels in and around the brain.
Chiari decompression - A Chiari decompression is a specific type of craniotomy designed to make more room for the herniated cerebellum, and to relieve pressure on the brain.
Computed axial tomography (CAT scan) - a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs
craniotomy - A craniotomy is a surgical operation in which a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to access the brain.
CT scan - Computed tomographic scan
decompression - Decrease in pressure
Electroencephalogram (EEG) - The recording of electrical activity along the scalp.
Electromyogram (EMG) - EMG is performed using an instrument called an electromyograph, to produce a record called an electromyogram
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) - A surgical procedure in which an opening is created in the floor of the third ventricle using an endoscope placed within the ventricular system through a burr hole.
epilepsy surgery -
foraminotomy - A medical operation used to relieve pressure on nerves that are being compressed by the intervertebral foramina
Glasgow coma scale - A neurological scale that aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment
Glasgow outcome scale - A neurological scale which is used in research to quantify the level of recovery patients have achieved
laminectomy - Laminectomy is a spine operation to remove the portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina.
lumbar discectomy - Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part of a problem disc in the low back.
lumbar puncture (spinal tap) (LP) - A diagnostic and at times therapeutic procedure that is performed in order to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - A medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures.
microdiscectomy (lumbar decompression back surgery) - A microdiscectomy is typically performed in response to a lumbar herniated disc. The surgery consists of removing small portions of bone and/or disc material to relieve neural impingement.
nerve conduction study (NCS) - A nerve conduction study (NCS) is a test commonly used to evaluate the function, especially the ability of electrical conduction, of the motor and sensory nerves of the human body.
spinal fusion/ spondylodesis/ spondylosyndesis - A surgical technique used to join two or more vertebrae.
ventriculoperitoneal shunting - A surgery to relieve increased pressure inside the skull due to excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the brain (hydrocephalus).
ventriculostomy (external ventricular drain) - Ventriculostomy is a neurosurgical procedure that involves creating a hole (" ostomy") within a cerebral ventricle for drainage.
aneurysm coiling - Aneurysm coiling is a minimally invasive procedure performed to treat an aneurysm, a balloon like bulge of an artery wall.
anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) - Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure to treat nerve root or spinal cord compression by decompressing the spinal cord and nerve roots of the cervical spine in order to stabilize the corresponding vertebrae.
Burr hole - A burr hole for subdural hematoma is performed to remove a hemorrhage (blood clot) from around the surface of the brain.
cerebral angiogram - Cerebral angiography is a form of angiography which provides images of blood vessels in and around the brain.
Chiari decompression - A Chiari decompression is a specific type of craniotomy designed to make more room for the herniated cerebellum, and to relieve pressure on the brain.
Computed axial tomography (CAT scan) - a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs
craniotomy - A craniotomy is a surgical operation in which a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to access the brain.
CT scan - Computed tomographic scan
decompression - Decrease in pressure
Electroencephalogram (EEG) - The recording of electrical activity along the scalp.
Electromyogram (EMG) - EMG is performed using an instrument called an electromyograph, to produce a record called an electromyogram
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) - A surgical procedure in which an opening is created in the floor of the third ventricle using an endoscope placed within the ventricular system through a burr hole.
epilepsy surgery -
foraminotomy - A medical operation used to relieve pressure on nerves that are being compressed by the intervertebral foramina
Glasgow coma scale - A neurological scale that aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment
Glasgow outcome scale - A neurological scale which is used in research to quantify the level of recovery patients have achieved
laminectomy - Laminectomy is a spine operation to remove the portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina.
lumbar discectomy - Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part of a problem disc in the low back.
lumbar puncture (spinal tap) (LP) - A diagnostic and at times therapeutic procedure that is performed in order to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - A medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures.
microdiscectomy (lumbar decompression back surgery) - A microdiscectomy is typically performed in response to a lumbar herniated disc. The surgery consists of removing small portions of bone and/or disc material to relieve neural impingement.
nerve conduction study (NCS) - A nerve conduction study (NCS) is a test commonly used to evaluate the function, especially the ability of electrical conduction, of the motor and sensory nerves of the human body.
spinal fusion/ spondylodesis/ spondylosyndesis - A surgical technique used to join two or more vertebrae.
ventriculoperitoneal shunting - A surgery to relieve increased pressure inside the skull due to excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the brain (hydrocephalus).
ventriculostomy (external ventricular drain) - Ventriculostomy is a neurosurgical procedure that involves creating a hole (" ostomy") within a cerebral ventricle for drainage.