Glossary
A
Aneurysm
A bulge or ballooning in the vessel, causing weakness in the artery wall.
Angiogram
Imaging technique that uses a dye or contrast to view the vessels of the brain or spine.
Angiography
Imaging technique that uses a dye or contrast to view the vessels of the brain or spine.
Arteriogram
Imaging technique that uses a dye or contrast to view the vessels of the brain or spine.
Arteriovenous Malformation
A collection of blood vessels with one or several abnormal connections between arteries and veins, which may cause additional problems.
Audiometry Testing
Assesses the ability to hear different sounds, frequencies and tones in each ear.
AVM
Deformity, abnormal shape or structure relating to veins and arteries.
B
Biopsy
Removal of a small portion of tissue, usually for the purpose of making a diagnosis.
C
Carotid Bruit
A repetitive whooshing heard when a stethoscope is placed over the area of the carotid artery in the neck.
Carotid Ultrasound
A real-time imaging test using high-frequency sound waves and a computer to locate and determine the degree of blockage in the artery.
Cerebellum
The lower part of the brain which regulates unconscious coordination of movement, balance and posture.
Cerebral Angiogram
Imaging technique that uses a dye or contrast to view the vessels of the neck and head.
Cerebral Angiography
Imaging technique that uses a dye or contrast to view the vessels of the neck and head.
Cervical Dystonia
Involuntary contraction of the neck muscles causing uncontrollable head movement.
Computed Tomography
An imaging study which produces 3-D pictures of soft tissue or bone.
Craniopharyngioma
Rare noncancerous brain tumor near the pituitary gland.
Craniotomy
Making an opening in the skull by removing a flap of bone.
CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid: the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, offering protection and providing nutrients.
CSF Analysis
The study of a sample of spinal fluid to look for conditions that affect the brain or spine.
CT
An imaging study which produces 3-D pictures of soft tissue or bone.
CT Angiogram
Using a contrast dye images are created to see the arteries and veins of the brain or spine.
CT Angiography
Using a contrast dye, images are created to see the arteries and veins of the brain or spine.
CT Perfusion
This scan provides information about how the blood is flowing in the brain.
CT Scan
An imaging study which produces 3-D pictures of soft tissue or bone.
CTA
Using a contrast dye images are created to see the arteries and veins of the brain or spine.
D
Decompressive Craniectomy
The removal of a piece of skull to allow the swelling brain under it to expand.
Detailed Neurological Exam
An evaluation of the nervous system including assessments of mental and physical function.
Detailed Neurological Exam
An evaluation of the nervous system including assessments of mental and physical function.
Discs
The intervertebral discs - cartilaginous cushions found between the vertebrae of the spinal column.
Dura
A tough fibrous membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, but is separated from them by a small space. It is the outermost layer of the three membranes.
E
EEG
The study of electrical currents in the brain.
Electromyogram
A method of recording the electrical currents generated in a muscle during its contraction.
EMG
An assessment of the electrical activity of the muscles
Endovascular Embolization
Using a small catheter passed through an artery material is injected to close off the vessel.
Epilepsy
A neurological disorder of abnormal brain activity causing seizures or episodes of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness.
Essential Tremor
A neurological disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, most often in the hands.
ETV Success Score
A measure to calculate the effectiveness of treating hydrocephalus without a shunt.
F
Familial Tremor
An inherited variety of essential tremor.
FMRI
This is a specialized MRI scan that maps brain metabolism and can be used to help define the location of speech and motor areas.
Functional MRI
This is a specialized MRI scan that maps brain metabolism and can be used to help define the location of speech and motor areas.
H
Hydrocephalus
A condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within the ventricles of the brain.
I
ICP
Intracranial pressure: the overall pressure inside the skull.
Ischemic Stroke
A stroke caused by inadequate circulation of blood, generally due to blockage of an artery.
L
Leptomeninges
The two thin layers (pia mater and arachnoid) of fine tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.
M
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Diagnostic test that produces 3D images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology rather than x-rays.
Magnetic Resonance Neurography
The direct imaging of nerves in the body by optimizing selectivity for unique MRI water properties of nerves.
Meningioma
A firm, often vascular, tumor arising from the coverings of the brain.
MR Angiography
A specific study of the blood vessels, sometimes using a contrast dye.
MR Perfusion
A specialized technique used to identify areas which are receiving blood versus those that are not.
MR Spectroscopy
Specialized MRI which assesses certain metabolites.
MRA
Using a magnetic resonance imager (MRI) images are assembled by a computer to show arteries in the brain or spine.
MRI
Diagnostic test that produces 3D images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology rather than x-rays.
MRI Perfusion
This type of MRI scan may be used to view the blood flow in different areas of your brain or in a tumor.
MRI Scan
Diagnostic test that produces 3D images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology rather than x-rays.
MRV
Specialized MRI using contrast dye to show the veins.
Myelogram
An x-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces.
N
Nerve Conduction Studies
This test measures how quickly an electrical impulse moves through your nerves.
Neurofibromatosis
A familial condition characterized by developmental changes in the nervous system, muscles and skin, marked by numerous tumors affecting these organ systems.
O
Other Movement Disorders
These may include problems with tremors, twitching, muscle spasm or muscle weakness.
P
Paralysis
Complete or partial loss of muscle function
Paraplegia
Complete or partial loss of muscle function
Parkinson’s Disease
A disorder of the central nervous system that results in movement issues, often including tremors.
PET
The PET scan is often coupled with a CT scan. A radioactive sugar is injected into one of your veins. The sugar accumulates in the fast growing tumor cells and shows up as a bright spot on the scan.
Pituitary
A familial condition characterized by developmental changes in the nervous system, muscles and skin, marked by numerous tumors affecting these organ systems.
Positron Emission Tomography
The PET scan is often coupled with a CT scan. A radioactive sugar is injected into one of your veins. The sugar accumulates in the fast growing tumor cells and shows up as a bright spot on the scan.
Pupil Exam
Test used to provide information about the severity or progression of brain injury.
R
Radiosurgery
A means to shrink or destroy a tumor by damaging the DNA in its cells.
S
Single-photon Emission Computerized Tomography
This test uses a radioactive material which measures the blood flow in different areas of your brain.
SPECT
This test uses a radioactive material which measures the blood flow in different areas of your brain.
Spinal Tap
Inserting a needle into the back to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.
Stereotactic Biopsy
A biopsy to make a diagnosis and guide treatment, especially when the tumor is in a deep or very important part of your brain or spine.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Used to treat abnormalities and small tumors of the brain or spine. Can deliver precisely targeted radiation.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The part of the nervous system which directs rapid involuntary responses in response to a dangerous or stressful situation.
Syrinx
A fluid filled cavity in the spinal cord or brain stem.
T
Tourette Syndrome
A nervous system disorder of repetitive motion or unwanted sounds.
Transcranial Doppler Study
Measures the speed of blood flow through the brain’s blood vessels.
Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound
Measures the speed of blood flow through the brain’s blood vessels.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Chronic pain condition in the face. Pain may be so severe that it causes an involuntary grimace or "tic".
U
Ultrasound
The use of high-frequency sound to create images of internal body structures.
V
Vasospasm
Spasm of blood vessels, decreasing their diameter.
Ventricles
The cavities or chambers within the brain that contain the cerebrospinal fluid.
Ventriculostomy
An opening into the ventricles of the brain, achieved by inserting a small, thin, hollow catheter. Serves as a means to relieve pressure from the brain and spinal cord.
Vertebra
Any of the 33 bones of the spinal column.
Vertebrae
Any of the 33 bones of the spinal column.
X
X-ray
Application of electromagnetic radiation to produce a film or picture of a bone or soft-tissue area of the body.
X-rays
Application of electromagnetic radiation to produce a film or picture of a bone or soft-tissue area of the body.
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