Term
Definition
Ataxia
Lack of muscle coordination in the execution of voluntary movement
Cerebral palsy
Self-limiting paralysis due to development defects in the brain or trauma during the birth process
Clonic spasms
Alternate contraction and relaxation of muscles
Closed head trauma
Injury to the head in which the dura mater remains intact and brain tissue is not exposed
Coma
Abnormally deep unconsciousness with absence of voluntary response to stimuli
Concussion
Transient loss of consciousness as a result of trauma to the head
Dementia
Broad term that refers to cognitive deficit, including memory impairment
Echoencephalography
Ultrasound technique used to study the intracranial structures of the brain and, especially, diagnose conditions that cause a shift in the midline structures of the brain
Electroencephalography
Recording of electrical activity in the brain, whose cells emit distinct patterns of rhythmic electrical impulses
Electromyography
Recording of electrical signals (action potentials) that occur in a muscle when it is at rest and during contraction to assess nerve damage
Guillain-Barre's Syndrome
Condition of acute polyneuritis with progressive muscle weakness in extremities
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Painful, acute infectious disease of the posterior root ganglia of only a few segments of the spinal or cranial nerves
Hydrocephalus
Accumulation of fluid in the ventricles of the brain, causing thinning of brain tissue and separation of cranial bones
Myelography
Diagnostic radiological examination of the spinal canal, nerve roots, and spinal cord after injection of contrast medium into the spinal cord
Paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower portion of the trunk and both legs usually as a result of injury or disease of the spine
Paresis
Slight or incomplete paralysis
Paresthesia
Sensation of numbness, prickling, tingling, or heightened sensitivity
Quadriplegia
Paralsysis of all four extremities and usually the trunk
Sciatica
Severe pain in the leg along the course of the sciatic nerve felt at the base of the spine, down the thigh, and radiating down the leg due to a compressed nerve
Syncope
Temporary loss of consciousness due to the sudden decline of blood flow to the brain; also called fainting
Transient ischemic attack
Temporary interference with blood supply to the brain lasting from a few minutes to a few hours
Computed tomography (CT)
Imaging technique that rotates an x-ray emitter around the area to be scanned and measures the intensity of trasmitted rays from different angles
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Scan using CT to record the positrons emitted from a radiopharmaceutical and produce a cross-sectional image of metabolic activity in body tissues to determine the presense of disease
Spinal puncture, spinal tap, CSF analysis
Series of chemical, microscopic, and microbial tests used to diagnose disorders of the central nervous system, including viral and bacterial infections, tumors, and hemorrhage
Analgesics
Drugs used to relieve or eliminate pain
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