Chapter 8: The Nervous System

Front 1

absence seizure

Back 1

a small seizure in which there is a sudden temporary loss of consciousness lasting only a few seconds

Front 2

acetylcholine

Back 2

a chemical substance in the body tissues that facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses from one nerve to another. it has a stimulant (or excitatory) effect on some parts of the body (such as skeletal muscles) and a depressant (or inhibitory) effect on other parts of the body (such as the heart muscle); aka neurotransmitter.

Front 3

afferent nerves

Back 3

transmitters of nerve impulses toward the CNS; aka as sensory nerves

Front 4

agnosia

Back 4

loss of mental ability to understand sensory stimuli (such as sight, sound, or touch) even though the sensory organs themselves are functioning properly (eg: the inability to recognize or interpret the images the eye is seeing is known as optic agnosia)

Front 5

agraphia

Back 5

the inability to convert one's thoughts into writing

Front 6

alexia

Back 6

the inability to understand written words

Front 7

analgesia

Back 7

without sensitivity to pain

Front 8

anesthesia

Back 8

without feeling or sensation

Front 9

anesthetic

Back 9

pertaining to partially or completely numbing or eliminating sensitivity with or without loss of consciousness

Front 10

aneurysm

Back 10

a localized dilatation in the wall of an artery that expands with each pulsation of the artery; usually caused by hypertension or artherosclerosis

Front 11

aphasia

Back 11

inability to communicate through speech, writing, or signs because of an injury to or disease in certain areas of the brain

Front 12

apraxia

Back 12

inability to perform coordinated movements or use objects properly; not associated with sensory or motor impairment or paralysis

Front 13

arachnoid membrane

Back 13

the weblike middle layer of the three membranous layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord

Front 14

astrocyte

Back 14

a star-shaped neuroglial cell found in the CNS

Front 15

astrocytoma

Back 15

a tumor of the brain or spinal cord composed of astrocytes

Front 16

ataxia

Back 16

without muscular coordination

Front 17

aura

Back 17

the sensation an individual experiences prior to the onset of a migraine headache or an epileptic seizure. it may be a sensation of light or warmth and may precede the attack by hours or only a few seconds.

Front 18

autonomic nervous system

Back 18

the part of the nervous system that regulates the involuntary vital functions of the body, such as the activities involving the heart muscle, smooth muscles, and the glands. the autonomic nervous system has two divisions: the SNS and the PNS (defined separately).

Front 19

axon

Back 19

the part of the nerve cell that transports nerve impulses away from the nerve cell body

Front 20

blood-brain barrier

Back 20

a protective characteristic of the capillary walls of the brain that prevents the passage of harmful substances from the bloodstream into the brain tissue or CSF

Front 21

bradykinesia

Back 21

abnormally slow movement

Front 22

brain stem

Back 22

the stemlike portion of the brain that connects the cerebral hemisphere with the spinal cord. the brain stem contains the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata

Front 23

Brudzinski's sign

Back 23

a positive sign of meningitis, in which there is an involuntary flexion of the arm, hip, and knee when the patient's neck is passively flexed

Front 24

burr hole

Back 24

a hole drilled into the skull using a form of drill

Front 25

cauda equina

Back 25

the lower end of the spinal cord and the roots of the spinal nerves that occupy the spinal canal below the level of the first lumbar vertebra; so named because it resembles a horse's tail

Front 26

causalgia

Back 26

a sensation of an acute burning pain along the path of a peripheral nerve, sometimes accompanied by erythema of the skin; due to injury to peripheral nerve fibers

Front 27

cell body

Back 27

the part of the cell that contains the nucleus and the cytoplasm

Front 28

central nervous system

Back 28

one of the two main divisions of the nervous system, consisting of the brain and the spinal cord

Front 29

cephalalgia

Back 29

pain in the head; headache

Front 30

cerebellum

Back 30

the part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary muscular movement; located behind the brain stem

Front 31

cerebral concussion

Back 31

a brief interruption of brain function, usually with a loss of consciousness lasting for a few seconds. this transient loss of consciousness is usually caused by blunt trauma (a blow) to the head

Front 32

cerebral contusion

Back 32

small scattered venous hemorrhages in the brain; better described as a "bruise" of the brain tissue occurring when the brain strikes the inner skull

Front 33

cerebral cortex

Back 33

the thin outer layer of nerve tissue, known as gray matter, that covers the surface of the cerebrum

Front 34

cerebrospinal fluid

Back 34

the fluid flowing through the brain and around the spinal cord that protects them from physical blow or impact

Front 35

cerebrum

Back 35

the largest and uppermost part of the brain. it controls consciousness, memory, sensations, emotions, and voluntary movements

Front 36

cervical radiculopathy

Back 36

any disease of the spinal nerve roots in the neck; caused by pressure on the nerve roots

Front 37

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Back 37

an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by periods of apnea followed by deep rapid breathing

Front 38

coma

Back 38

a deep sleep in which the individual cannot be aroused and does not respond to external stimuli

Front 39

comatose

Back 39

pertains to being in a coma

Front 40

contracture

Back 40

a permanent shortening of a muscle causing a joint to remain in an abnormally flexed position, with resultant physical deformity

Front 41

convolution

Back 41

one of the many elevated folds of the surface of the cerebrum; also called a gyrus

Front 42

craniotomy

Back 42

a surgical incision into the cranium or skull

Front 43

deficit

Back 43

any deficiency or variation of the normal, as in a weakness deficit resulting from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Front 44

dementia

Back 44

a progressive irreversible mental disorder in which the person has deteriorating memory, judgement, and ability to think

Front 45

demyelination

Back 45

destruction or removal of the myelin sheath that covers a nerve or nerve fiber

Front 46

dendrite

Back 46

a projection that extends from the nerve cell body, it receives impulses and conducts them on to the cell body

Front 47

diencephalon

Back 47

the part of the brain located between the cerebrum and the midbrain. its main structures consist of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal gland.

Front 48

diplopia

Back 48

double vision; also called ambiopia

Front 49

dura mater

Back 49

the outermost of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord

Front 50

dyslexia

Back 50

a condition characterized by an impairment of the ability to read. letters and words are often reversed when reading

Front 51

dysphasia

Back 51

difficult speech

Front 52

efferent nerves

Back 52

transmitters of nerve impulses away from the CNS; aka motor nerves

Front 53

embolism

Back 53

an abnormal condition in which a blood clot (embolus) becomes lodged in a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood within the vessel

Front 54

epidural space

Back 54

the space immediately outside the dura mater that contains a supporting cushion of fat and other connective tissues

Front 55

epilepsy

Back 55

a neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of sudden brief attacks of seizures. the seizure may vary from mild and unnoticeable to full-scale convulsive seizures

Front 56

gait

Back 56

the style of walking

Front 57

ganglion

Back 57

a knotlike mass of nerve tissue found outside the brain or spinal cord (plural: ganglia)

Front 58

gray matter

Back 58

the part of the nervous system consisting of axons that are not covered with myelin sheath, giving a gray appearance

Front 59

gyrus

Back 59

one of the many elevated folds of the surface of the cerebrum (plural: gyri)

Front 60

hemiparesis

Back 60

slight or partial paralysis of one half of the body (ie: left or right side)

Front 61

hemiplegia

Back 61

paralysis of one half of the body

Front 62

hyperesthesia

Back 62

excessive sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as pain or touch

Front 63

hyperkinesis

Back 63

excessive muscular movement and physical activity; hyperactivity

Front 64

hypochondriasis

Back 64

a chronic abnormal concern about the health of the body, characterized by extreme anxiety, depression, and an unrealistic interpretation of real or imagined physical symptoms as indications of a serious illness or disease despite rational medical evidence that no disorder is present

Front 65

hypothalamus

Back 65

a part of the brain located below the thalamus that controls many functions, such as body temp, sleep, and appetite

Front 66

interneurons

Back 66

connecting neurons that conduct impulses from afferent nerves to or toward motor nerves

Front 67

Kernig's sign

Back 67

a diagnostic sign for meningitis marked by the person's inability to extend the leg completely when the thigh is flexed upon the abdomen and the person is sitting or lying down

Front 68

lethargy

Back 68

a state of being sluggish; stupor

Front 69

longitudinal fissure

Back 69

a deep groove in the middle of the cerebrum that divides the cerebrum into the right and left hemispheres

Front 70

medulla oblongata

Back 70

one of the three parts of the brain stem. the medulla oblongata is the most essential part of the brain in that it contains the cardiac, vasomotor, and respiratory centers of the brain

Front 71

meninges

Back 71

the three layers of protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord

Front 72

microglia

Back 72

small neuroglial cells found in the interstitial tissue of the nervous system that engulf cellular debris, waste products, and pathogens within the nerve tissue

Front 73

midbrain

Back 73

the uppermost part of the brain stem

Front 74

motor nerves

Back 74

efferent nerves

Front 75

myelin sheath

Back 75

a protective sheath that covers the axons of many nerves in the body. it acts as an electrical insulator and helps speed the conduction of nerve impulses

Front 76

narcolepsy

Back 76

uncontrolled, sudden attacks of sleep

Front 77

nerve

Back 77

a cordlike bundle of nerve fibers that transmit impulses to and from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. a nerve is macroscopic (ie: able to be seen without the aid of a microscope)

Front 78

nerve block

Back 78

the injection of a local anesthetic along the course of a nerve or nerves to eliminate sensation to the area supplied by the nerve(s); also called conduction anesthesia

Front 79

neuralgia

Back 79

severe, sharp, spasmlike pain that extends along the course of one or more nerves

Front 80

neuritis

Back 80

inflammation of a nerve

Front 81

neuroglia

Back 81

the supporting tissue of the nervous system

Front 82

neurologist

Back 82

a physician who specializes in treating the diseases and disorders of the nervous system

Front 83

neurology

Back 83

the study of the nervous system and its disorders

Front 84

neuron

Back 84

a nerve cell

Front 85

neurosurgeon

Back 85

a physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system

Front 86

neurosurgery

Back 86

any surgery involving the nervous system (ie: of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves)

Front 87

neurotransmitter

Back 87

a chemical substance within the body that activates or inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses at synapses

Front 88

nuchal rigidity

Back 88

rigidity of the neck. the neck is resistant to flexion. this condition is seen in patients with meningitis

Front 89

occlusion

Back 89

blockage

Front 90

oligodendrocyte

Back 90

a type of neuroglial cell found in the interstitial tissue of the nervous system. its dendrite projections coil around the axons of many neurons to form the myelin sheath

Front 91

palliative

Back 91

soothing

Front 92

parasympathetic nerves

Back 92

nerves of the ANS that regulate essential involuntary body functions such as slowing the heart rate, increasing peristalsis of the intestines, increasing glandular secretions, and relaxing sphincters

Front 93

parasympathomimetic

Back 93

copying or producing the same effects as those of the parasympathetic nerves; "to mimic"

Front 94

paresthesia

Back 94

a sensation of numbness or tingling

Front 95

peripheral nervous system

Back 95

the part of the nervous system outside the CNS, consisting of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves

Front 96

phagocytosis

Back 96

the process by which certain cells engulf and destroy microorganisms and cellular debris

Front 97

pia mater

Back 97

the innermost of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord

Front 98

pineal body

Back 98

a small cone-shaped structure (located in the diencephalon of the brain) thought to be involved in regulating the body's biological clock and that produces melatonin; also called the pineal gland

Front 99

plexus

Back 99

a network of interwoven nerves

Front 100

pons

Back 100

the part of the brain located between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain. it acts as a bridge to connect the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum to the upper portions of the brain

Front 101

radiculotomy

Back 101

the surgical resection of a spinal nerve root (a procedure performed to relieve pain); also called a rhizotomy

Front 102

receptor

Back 102

a sensory nerve ending (ie: a nerve ending that receives impulses and responds to various types of stimulation

Front 103

sciatica

Back 103

inflammation of the sciatic nerve; characterized by pain along the course of the nerve, radiating through the thigh and down the back of the leg

Front 104

sensory

Back 104

pertaining to sensation

Front 105

shunt

Back 105

a tube or passage that diverts or redirects body fluid from one cavity or vessel to another; may be a congenital defect or artificially constructed for the purpose of redirecting fluid, as a shunt used in hydrocephalus

Front 106

somatic nervous system

Back 106

the part of the PNS that provides voluntary control over skeletal muscle contractions

Front 107

stimulus

Back 107

any agent or factor capable of initiating a nerve impulse

Front 108

stupor

Back 108

a state of lethargy. the person is unresponsive and seems unaware of his or her surroundings

Front 109

subarachnoid space

Back 109

the space located just under the arachnoid membrane that contains cerebrospinal fluid

Front 110

subdural space

Back 110

the space located just beneath the dura mater that contains serous fluid

Front 111

sulcus

Back 111

a depression or shallow groove on the surface of an organ; as a sulcus that separates any of the convolutions of the cerebral hemispheres (plural: sulci)

Front 112

sympathetic nerves

Back 112

nerves of the ANS that regulate essential involuntary body functions such as increasing the heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and raising the blood pressure

Front 113

sympathomimetic

Back 113

"to mimic" the sympathetic nerves

Front 114

synapse

Back 114

the space between the end of one nerve and the beginning of another, through which nerve impulses are transmitted

Front 115

syncope

Back 115

fainting

Front 116

thalamus

Back 116

the part of the brain located between the cerebral hemispheres and the midbrain. the thalamus receives all sensory stimuli, expect those of smell, and relays them to the cerebral cortex

Front 117

thrombosis

Back 117

an abnormal condition in which a clot develops in a blood vessel

Front 118

tonic-clonic seizure

Back 118

a seizure characterized by the presence of muscle contraction or tension followed by relaxation, creating a "jerking" movement of the body

Front 119

ventricle

Back 119

a small hollow within the brain that is filled with CSF

Front 120

whiplash

Back 120

an injury to the C/S and their supporting structures due to the sudden back-and-forth jerking movement of the head and neck. whiplash may occur as a result of an automobile being struck suddenly from the rear

Front 121

white matter

Back 121

the part of the nervous system consisting of axons covered with myelin sheath, giving a white appearance

Front 122

asthenia

Back 122

strength

Front 123

cerebell/o

Back 123

cerebellum

Front 124

cerebr/o

Back 124

cerebrum

Front 125

encephal/o

Back 125

brain

Front 126

-esthesia

Back 126

sensation or feeling

Front 127

esthesi/o

Back 127

feeling, sensation

Front 128

esthet/o

Back 128

feeling, nervous sensation or sense of perception

Front 129

gli/o

Back 129

neuroglia or gluey substance

Front 130

-lepsy

Back 130

seizure, attack

Front 131

-lexia

Back 131

reading

Front 132

mening/o

Back 132

meninges

Front 133

myel/o

Back 133

spinal cord or bone marrow

Front 134

narc/o

Back 134

sleep

Front 135

neur/o

Back 135

nerve

Front 136

-paresis

Back 136

partial paralysis

Front 137

-phasia

Back 137

speech

Front 138

-plegia

Back 138

paralysis

Front 139

-praxia

Back 139

perform

Front 140

radicul/o

Back 140

root

Front 141

thec/o

Back 141

sheath

Front 142

ton/o

Back 142

tension, tone

Front 143

ventricul/o

Back 143

ventricle of the heart or brain

Front 144

Alzheimer's disease

Back 144

Deterioration of a person's intellectual functioning. AD is progressive and extremely debilitating. It begins with minor memory loss and progresses to complete loss of mental, emotional, and physical functioning, frequently occurring in persons over 65 years of age.

Stage 1: 1-3 years, Stage 2: 2-10 years, Stage 3: 8-10 years

Front 145

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Back 145

ALS is a severe weakening and wasting of the involved muscle groups, usually beginning with the hands and progressing to the shoulders, upper arms, and legs. It is caused by decreased nerve innervation to the muscle groups.

Front 146

anencephaly

Back 146

An absence of the brain and spinal cord at birth, a congenital disorder

Front 147

Bell's palsy

Back 147

A temporary or permanent unilateral weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face following trauma to the face, an unknown infection, or a tumor pressing on the facial nerve rendering it paralyzed

Front 148

brain abscess

Back 148

A localized accumulation of pus located anywhere in the brain tissue due to an infectious process - either a primary local infection or an infection secondary to another infectious process in the body (such as bacterial endocarditis, sinusitis, otitis, or dental abscess).

Front 149

carpal tunnel syndrome

Back 149

A pinching or compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel due to inflammation and swelling of the tendons, causing intermittent or continuous pain that is greatest at night.

Front 150

cerebral palsy

Back 150

CP is a collective term used to describe congenital (at birth) brain damage that is permanent but not progressive. It is characterized by the child's lack of control of voluntary muscles.

Four major types: Spastic, Ataxic, Athetoid, and Mixed

Front 151

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Back 151

CVA involves death of a specific portion of brain tissue, resulting from a decrease in blood flow (ischemia) to that area of the brain; also called stroke.

Front 152

encephalitis

Back 152

The inflammation of the brain largely caused by a virus that enters the CNS when the person experiences a viral disease such as measles or mumps or through the bite of a mosquito or tick.

Front 153

grand mal seizure

Back 153

An epileptic seizure characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness and by generalized involuntary muscular contraction, vacillating between rigid body extension and an alternating contracting and relaxing of muscles.

Front 154

petit mal seizure

Back 154

A small seizure in which there is a sudden temporary loss of consciousness lasting only a few seconds; aka as an absence seizure

Front 155

Guillain-Barre syndrome

Back 155

An acute polyneuritis of the PNS in which the myelin sheaths on the axons are destroyed, resulting in decreased nerve impulses, loss of reflex response, and sudden muscle weakness, which usually follows a viral gastrointestinal or respiratory infection.

Front 156

migraine headache

Back 156

Recurring, pulsating, vascular headache usually developing on one side of the head. It is characterized by a slow onset that may be preceded by an aura, during which a sensory disturbance occurs such as confusion or some visual interference (eg: flashing lights).

Front 157

cluster headache

Back 157

Occurs typically two or three hours after falling asleep; described as extreme pain around one eye that wakens the person from sleep.

Front 158

tension headache

Back 158

Occurs from long, endured contraction of the skeletal muscles around the face, scalp, upper back, and neck.

Front 159

epidural hematoma

Back 159

A collection of blood (hemotoma) located above the dura mater and just below the skull.

Front 160

subdural hematoma

Back 160

A collection of blood below the dura mater and above the arachnoid layer of the meninges.

Front 161

Huntington's chorea

Back 161

An inherited neurological disease characterized by rapid, jerky, involuntary movements and increasing dementia due to the effects of the basal ganglia on the neurons.

Front 162

hydrocephalus

Back 162

An abnormal increase of CSF in the brain that causes the ventricles of the brain to dilate, resulting in an increased head circumference in the infant with open fontanel(s); a congenital disorder.

Front 163

intracranial tumors

Back 163

Occur in any structural region of the brain. They may be malignant or benign, classified as primary or secondary, and are named according to the tissue from which they originate.

Front 164

primary intracranial tumors

Back 164

Arise from gliomas, malignant glial cells that are a support for nerve tissue, and from tumors that arise from the meninges.

pg 288

Front 165

metastatic intracranial tumors (secondary)

Back 165

Occurs as a result of metastasis from a primary site such as the lung or breast. They occur more frequently than primary neoplasms.

Front 166

meningitis (acute bacterial)

Back 166

A serious bacterial infection of the meninges - the covering of the brain and spinal cord - that can have residual debilitating effects or even a fatal outcome if not diagnosed and treated promptly with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Front 167

multiple sclerosis (MS)

Back 167

A degenerative inflammatory disease of the CNS attacking the myelin sheath in the spinal cord and brain, leaving it sclerosed (hardened) or scarred and interrupting the flow of nerve impulses.

Front 168

myasthenia gravis

Back 168

A chronic progressive neuromuscular disorder causing severe skeletal muscle weakness (without atrophy) and fatigue, which occurs at different levels of severity.

Front 169

neuroblastoma

Back 169

A highly malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. It most commonly occurs in the adrenal medulla, with early metastasis spreading widely to liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and bone.

Front 170

Parkinson's disease

Back 170

A degenerative, slowly progressive deterioration of nerves in the brain stem's motor system characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms such as a stooped posture wit the body flexed forward; a bowed head; a shuffling gait; pill-rolling gestures; an expressionless, mask-like facial appearance; muffled speech; and swallowing difficulty.

Front 171

peripheral neuritis

Back 171

A general term indicating inflammation of one or more peripheral nerves, the effects being dependent on the particular nerve involved.

Front 172

poliomyelitis

Back 172

An infectious viral disease entering through the upper respiratory tract and affecting the ability of spinal cord and brain motor neurons to receive stimulation. Muscles affected become paralyzed without the motor nerve stimulation (ie: respiratory paralysis requires ventilatory support).

Front 173

postpolio syndrome

Back 173

A progressive weakness occurring at least 30 years after the initial poliomyelitis attack.

Front 174

Reye's syndrome

Back 174

An acute brain encephalopathy along with fatty infiltration of the internal organs that may follow acute viral infections; occurs in children under the age of 18, often with a fatal result. There are confirmed studies linking the onset of Reye's syndrome to aspirin administration during a viral illness.

Front 175

spina bifida cystica

Back 175

A congenital defect of the CNS in which the back portion of one or more vertabrae is not closed normally and a cyst protrudes through the opening in the back, usually at the level of the 5th lumbar or 1st sacral vertabrae.

Front 176

meningocele

Back 176

*challenge word*

A cyst-like sac covered with skin or a thin membrane protruding through the bony defect in the vertebrae containing meninges and CSF.

Front 177

meningomyelocele

Back 177

*challenge word*

A cyst-like sac covered with skin or a thin membrane protruding through the bony defect in the vertabrae that contains meninges, CSF, and spinal cord segments.

Front 178

spina bifida occulta

Back 178

A congenital defect of the CNS in which the back portion of one or more vertebrae is not closed. A dimpling over the area may occur.

Front 179

Tay-Sachs disease

Back 179

A congenital disorder caused by altered lipid metabolism, resulting from an enzyme deficiency.

Front 180

trigeminal neuralgia

Back 180

Short periods of severe unilateral pain, which radiates along the fifth cranial nerve.

Front 181

Babinski's reflex

Back 181

Can be tested by stroking the sole of the foot, beginning at midheel and moving upward and lateral to the toes. A positive Babinski's occurs when there is no dorsiflexion of the great toe and fanning of the other toes.

Front 182

brain scan

Back 182

A brain scan is a nuclear counter scanning of cranial content two hours after an IV injections of radioisotopes.

Front 183

cerebral angiography

Back 183

A visualization of the cerebral vascular system via X-ray after the injection of a radiopaque contrast medium into an arterial blood vessel (carotid, femoral, or brachial).

Front 184

CSF analysis

Back 184

CSF obtained from a lumbar puncture is analyzed for the presence of bacteria, blood, or malignant cells as well as for the amount of protein and glucose present.

Front 185

CT scan of the brain

Back 185

Computed tomography (CT) is the analysis of a 3D view of brain tissue obtained as X-ray beams pass through successive horizontal layers of the brain; also called computerized axial tomography (CAT scan).

Front 186

chordotomy

Back 186

A neurosurgical procedure for pain control accomplished through a laminectomy, in which there is surgical interference of pathways within the spinal cord that control pain.

Front 187

cisternal puncture

Back 187

Involves insertion of a short, beveled spinal needle into the cisterna magna (a shallow reservoir of CSF between the medulla and the cerebellum) to drain CSF or to obtain a CSF specimen.

Front 188

craniotomy

Back 188

A surgical procedure that makes an opening into the skull.

Front 189

echoencephalography

Back 189

Ultrasound used to analyze the intracranial structures of the brain

Front 190

electroencephalography (EEG)

Back 190

Measurement of electrical activity produced by the brain and recorded through electrodes placed on the scalp

Front 191

laminectomy

Back 191

The surgical removal of the bony arches from one or more of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord

Front 192

lumbar puncture

Back 192

Involves the insertion of a hollow needle and stylet into the subarachnoid space, generally between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae below the level of the spinal cord under strict aseptic technique.

Front 193

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Back 193

A noninvasive scanning procedure that provides visualization of fluid, soft tissue, and bony structures without the use of radiation.

Front 194

myelography

Back 194

The introduction of contrast medium into the lumbar subarachnoid space through a lumbar puncture to visualize the spinal cord and vertebral canal through X-ray examination.

Front 195

neurectomy

Back 195

A neurosurgical procedure to relieve pain in a localized or small area by incision of cranial or peripheral nerves

Front 196

polysomnogram

Back 196

PSG is a sleep study or sleep test that evaluates physical factors affecting sleep. Physical activity and level of sleep are monitored by a technician while the patient sleeps.

Front 197

positron emission tomography (PET)

Back 197

PET scan produces computerized radiographic images of various body structures when radioactive substances are inhaled or injected.

Front 198

Romberg test

Back 198

Used to evaluate cerebellar function and balance.

Front 199

stereotaxic neurosurgery

Back 199

Performed on a precise location of an area within the brain that controls specific function(s) and may involve destruction of brain tissue with various agents such as heat, cold, and sclerosing or corrosive fluids.

Front 200

sympathectomy

Back 200

A surgical procedure used to interrupt a portion of the sympathetic nerve pathway for the purpose of relieving chronic pain.

Front 201

ACTH

Back 201

adrenocorticotrophic hormone

Front 202

ALS

Back 202

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Front 203

ANS

Back 203

autonomic nervous system

Front 204

CAT

Back 204

computerized axial tomography

Front 205

CNS

Back 205

central nervous system

Front 206

CSF

Back 206

cerebrospinal fluid

Front 207

CT

Back 207

computed tomography

Front 208

CVA

Back 208

cerebrovascular accident; stroke

Front 209

ECT

Back 209

electroconvulsive therapy

Front 210

EEG

Back 210

electroencephalogram

Front 211

EMG

Back 211

electromyography

Front 212

ICP

Back 212

intracranial pressure

Front 213

LOC

Back 213

level of consciousness

Front 214

MRI

Back 214

magnetic resonance imaging

Front 215

MS

Back 215

multiple sclerosis

Front 216

MSLT

Back 216

multiple sleep latency test

Front 217

NCS

Back 217

nerve conduction study

Front 218

NPH

Back 218

normal-pressure hydrocephalus

Front 219

NREM

Back 219

non-rapid eye movement

Front 220

PET

Back 220

positron nervous system

Front 221

PNS

Back 221

peripheral nervous system

Front 222

PSG

Back 222

polysomnogram

Front 223

REM

Back 223

rapid eye movement

Front 224

RT

Back 224

reading test

Front 225

SNS

Back 225

somatic nervous system

Front 226

TIA

Back 226

transient ischemic attack