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View Printer Friendly Glossary of Terms
Aneurysm Aneurysm - An abnormal increase in diameter (dilation) or outpouching of a blood vessel. The rupture of intracranial aneurysms resulting in bleeding into space around the brain, can lead to severe disability or death. Arthrodesis - The surgical immobilization of a joint enabling the bones to grow solidly together. Brachial Plexus - A complex network of nerves that is formed chiefly by the lower four cervical nerves and the first thoracic nerve and supplies nerves to the arms, shoulder and chest. Carotid Artery Disease - A disorder affecting one of the major blood vessels carrying blood to the brain. Tissue called plaque can accumulate in the walls of these blood vessels causing a narrowing that interferes with blood flow. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - A painful condition that occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are inflamed after being aggravated by repetitive movements. It may cause progressive narrowing of the carpal wrist tunnel, resulting in nerve pressure and pain. Cerebrovascular - Of or involving the blood vessels in or supplying the nervous system. Cordotomy - Surgical division of a tract of the spinal cord for relief of severe intractable pain. Corpectomy - A surgical procedure performed in the front of the neck that involves removal of a part of the vertebral body to relieve pressure in the spinal cord and nerve roots. Craniotomy - The surgical removal and later replacement of a section of bone from the skull. This procedure is performed for a variety of disorders including tumors, aneurysms and hematomas. CSF Shunting - Mechanical diversion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to bypass an obstruction in CSF flow. A catheter is placed into the abnormally-dilated fluid space and drained into the abdomen. Deep Brain Stimulation - A procedure in which small electrodes are implanted in the brain and connected to a pacemaker-like device implanted beneath the skin. Discectomy - The surgical removal of part or all of an intervertebral disc. It is performed to relieve pressure on a nerve or the spinal cord. Embolization - A procedure performed when a neurosurgeon injects material or uses a flexible coil to obstruct an aneurysm or an abnormal blood vessel. ICP - Intracranial pressure (i.e., the pressure existing inside the head). Laminectomy - Surgical removal of the back part of a vertebra in order to gain access to the spinal cord or nerve roots, to remove tumors, to treat injuries to the spine, or to relieve pressure on a nerve. Stereotactic - When computer guidance is used to navigate in and around the brain for biopsy, placement of catheters and electrodes. Originated from the Greek word stereo meaning three dimensional and tactos meaning touched. Transsphenoidal - Method of surgery involving making an incision beneath the upper lip and approaching the pituitary tumor through the central part of the nose. Ventriculostomy - A catheter is inserted to establish an opening in a ventricle of the brain to drain cerebrospinal fluid. Vertebra - One of the bones of the spine. Vertebroplasty - Injection of cement or other materials into a vertebra to strengthen it and avoid further collapse of vertebra. Commonly used to treat a fracture.
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