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Medical Terminology > Nervous System > Flashcards

Nervous System Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

absence seizure

A

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

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2
Q

acetylcholine

A

a chemical substance in the body tissues that facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses from one nerve to another. It has a stimulant effect on some parts of the body and a depressant effect on other parts of the body; also known as a neurotransmitter.

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3
Q

afferent nerves

A

transmitters of nerve impulses toward the CNS; also known as sensory nerves

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4
Q

agnosia

A

loss of mental ability to understand sensory stimuli (such as sound, sight, touch) even though the sensory organs themselves are functioning properly

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5
Q

agraphia

A

the inability to convert one’s thoughts into writing

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6
Q

alexia

A

the inability to understand written words

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7
Q

analgesia

A

without sensitivity to pain

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8
Q

anesthesia

A

without feeling or sensation

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9
Q

aneurysm

A

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

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10
Q

aphasia

A

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

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11
Q

apraxia

A

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

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12
Q

arachnoid membrane

A

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

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13
Q

astrocyte

A

a star-shaped neuroglial cell found in the the CNS

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14
Q

astrocytoma

A

a tumor of the brain or spinal cord composed of astrocytes

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15
Q

ataxia

A

without muscular coordination

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16
Q

aura

A

the sensation an individual experiences prior to the onset of 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

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17
Q

autonomic nervous system

A

the part f 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. Has two divisions: the SNS and the PNS.

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18
Q

axon

A

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

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19
Q

blood-brain barrier

A

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

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20
Q

bradykinesia

A

Abnormally slow movement

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21
Q

brain stem

A

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

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22
Q

Brudzinski’s sign

A

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

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23
Q

burr hole

A

a hole drilled into the skull using a form of drill

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24
Q

cauda equina

A

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

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25
Q

causalgia

A

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.

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26
Q

cell body

A

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

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27
Q

central nervous system

A

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

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28
Q

cephalagia

A

pain in the head; headache

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29
Q

cerebellum

A

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

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30
Q

cerebral concussion

A

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)

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31
Q

cerebral contusion

A

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

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32
Q

cerebral cortex

A

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

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33
Q

cerebrospinal fluid

A

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

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34
Q

cerebrum

A

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

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35
Q

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

A

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

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36
Q

coma

A

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

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37
Q

comatose

A

pertains to being in a coma

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38
Q

contracture

A

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

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39
Q

convolution

A

one of the many elevated folds of the surface of the cerebrum; also call gyrus.

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40
Q

craniotomy

A

a surgical incision into the cranium or skull

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41
Q

deficit

A

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

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42
Q

dementia

A

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

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43
Q

demyelination

A

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

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44
Q

dendrite

A

a projection that extends from the nerve cell body. It receives impulses and conducts them on the cell body.

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45
Q

diencephalon

A

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

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46
Q

diplopia

A

double vision; also called ambiopia

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47
Q

dura mater

A

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

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48
Q

dyslexia

A

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

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49
Q

dysphasia

A

difficult speech

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50
Q

efferent nerves

A

transmitters of nerve impulses away from the CNS; also known as motor nerves

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51
Q

embolism

A

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

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52
Q

epidural space

A

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

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53
Q

epilepsy

A

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.

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54
Q

fissure

A

a deep groove on the surface of an organ

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55
Q

fontanelle or fontanel

A

a space covered by tough membrane between the bones of an infant’s cranium, called a “soft spot”.

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56
Q

gait

A

the style of walking

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57
Q

ganglion

A

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

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58
Q

gray matter

A

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

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59
Q

gyrus

A

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

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60
Q

hemiparesis

A

slight or partial paralysis of one half of the body

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61
Q

hemiplegia

A

paralysis of one half of the boy

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62
Q

herpes zoster

A

an acute infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, characterized by painful vesicular lesions along the path of a spinal nerve; also called shingles

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63
Q

hyperesthesia

A

excessive sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as pain or touch

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64
Q

hyperkinesis

A

excessive muscular movement and physical activity; hyperactivity.

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65
Q

hypothalamus

A

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

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66
Q

interneurons

A

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

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67
Q

kernig’s sign

A

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.

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68
Q

kinesiology

A

the study of muscle movement

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69
Q

lethargy

A

a state of being sluggish

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70
Q

longitudinal fissure

A

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

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71
Q

medulla oblongata

A

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

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72
Q

meninges

A

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

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73
Q

microglia

A

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

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74
Q

midbrain

A

the uppermost part of the brain stem.

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75
Q

motor nerves

A

Transmitters of nerve impulses away from the CNS; also known as efferent nerves

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76
Q

myelin sheath

A

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

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77
Q

narcolepsy

A

a rare syndrome of uncontrolled, sudden attacks of sleep.

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78
Q

nerve

A

a cordlike bundle of nerve fibers that transmit impulses to and from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. It is macroscopic.

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79
Q

nerve block

A

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.

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80
Q

neuralgia

A

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

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81
Q

neuritis

A

Inflammation of a nerve

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82
Q

neuroglia

A

the supporting tissue of the nervous system

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83
Q

neurologist

A

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

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84
Q

neurology

A

the study of the nervous system and its disorders

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85
Q

neuron

A

a nerve cell

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86
Q

neurosurgeon

A

a physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system.

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87
Q

neurosurgery

A

any surgery involving the nervous system (i.e., of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves).

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88
Q

neurotransmitter

A

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

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89
Q

nuchal rigidity

A

rigidity of the neck. The neck is resistant to flexion. This condition is seen with patients with meningitis

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90
Q

occlusion

A

blockage

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91
Q

oligodendrocyte

A

a type of neurogial 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.

92
Q

palliative

A

soothing

93
Q

paraplegia

A

paralysis of the lower extremities and trunk, usually due to spinal cord injuries

94
Q

parasympathetic nerves

A

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.

95
Q

parasympathomimetic

A

copying or producing the same effects as those o the parasympathetic nerves; “to mimic” the parasympathetic nerves

96
Q

paresthesia

A

a sensation of numbness or tingling

97
Q

peripheral nervous system

A

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

98
Q

phagocytosis

A

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

99
Q

pia mater

A

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

100
Q

pineal body

A

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

101
Q

pineal gland

A

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 body

102
Q

plexus

A

a network of interwoven nerves

103
Q

pons

A

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

104
Q

quadriplegia

A

paralysis of all four exremities and the trunk of the body; caused by injury to the spinal cord at the level of the cervical vertebrae

105
Q

radiculotomy

A

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

106
Q

receptor

A

a sensory nerve ending (i.e., a nerve ending that receives impulses and responds to various types of stimulation).

107
Q

rhizotomy

A

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

108
Q

sciatica

A

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

109
Q

sensory

A

pertaining to sensation

110
Q

sensory nerves

A

transmitters of nerve impulses toward the CNS; also known as afferent nerves

111
Q

shingles

A

an acute infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, characterized by painful vesicular lesions along the path of a spinal nerve; also called herpes zoster

112
Q

shunt

A

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

113
Q

somatic nervous system

A

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

114
Q

stimulus

A

any agent or factor capable of initiating a nerve impulse

115
Q

stupor

A

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

116
Q

subarachnoid space

A

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

117
Q

subdural space

A

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

118
Q

sulcus

A

a depression or shallow groove on the surface of an organ

119
Q

sympathetic nerves

A

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

120
Q

sympathomimetic

A

copying or producing the same effects as those of the sympathetic nerves; “to mimic” the sympathetic nerves

121
Q

synapse

A

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

122
Q

syncope

A

fainting

123
Q

thalamus

A

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

124
Q

thrombosis

A

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

125
Q

tonic-clonic seizure

A

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

126
Q

ventricle

A

a small hollow within the brain that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid

127
Q

whiplash

A

an injury to the cervical vertebrae and their supporting structures due to a sudden back-and-forth jerking movement of the head and neck.

128
Q

white matter

A

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

129
Q

Alzheimer’s disease

A

deterioration of a person’s intellectual functioning. It 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.

130
Q

amyotrophic leteral sclerosis

A

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

131
Q

.anencephaly

A

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

132
Q

Bell’s palsy

A

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.

133
Q

brain abscess

A

is 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.

134
Q

carpal tunnel syndrome

A

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

135
Q

cerebral concussion

A

a brief interruption of brain function, usually with a loss of consciousness lasting for a few seconds.

136
Q

cerebral contusion

A

a small, scattered venous hemorrhage in the brain (or better described as a “bruise” of the brain tissue) occurring when the brain strikes the inner skull.

137
Q

cerebral palsy

A

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.

138
Q

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

A

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

139
Q

degenerative disk

A

the deterioration of the intervertebral disk, usually due to constant motion and wear on the disk.

140
Q

encephalitis

A

the inflammation of the brain or spinal cord tissue 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

141
Q

epilepsy

A

a syndrome of recurring episodes of excessive irregular electrical activity of brain resulting in involuntary muscle movements called seizures.

142
Q

grand mal seizure

A

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

143
Q

petit mal seizure

A

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

144
Q

Guillain-Barre syndrome

A

acute polyneuritis (“inflammation of many nerves”) 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

145
Q

headache

A

involves pain (varying in intensity from mild to severe) anywhere within the cranial cavity. It may be chronic or acute and may occur as a result of a disease process or e totally benign.

146
Q

migraine headache

A

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

147
Q

cluster headache

A

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

148
Q

tension headache

A

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

149
Q

hematoma, epidural

A

a collection of blood located above the dura mater and just below the skull

150
Q

hematoma, subdural

A

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

151
Q

herniated disk

A

a rupture or herniation of the disk center (nucleus pulposus) through the disk wall into the spinal canal, causing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

152
Q

Huntington’s chorea

A

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

153
Q

hydrocephalus

A

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

154
Q

metastatic intracranial tumors (secondary)

A

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

155
Q

meningitis (acute bacterial)

A

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

156
Q

multiple sclerosis

A

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.

157
Q

myasthenia gravis

A

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

158
Q

neuroblastoma

A

a highly malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system

159
Q

Parkinson’s disease

A

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 with the body flexed forward; a bowed head; a shuffling gait; pill-rolling gestures; an expressionless, masklike facial appearance; muffled speech; and swallowing difficulty.

160
Q

peripheral neuritis

A

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

161
Q

poliomeylitis

A

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 (i.e., respiratory paralysis requires ventilatory support.)

162
Q

pospolio syndrome

A

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

163
Q

Reye’s syndrome

A

an acute brain encephalopathy along with fatty infiltration of the internal organs that may follow acute viral infections; occurs in children between 5 and 11, often with a fatal result. There are confirmed studies linking the onset of to aspirin administration during a viral illness

164
Q

shingles

A

an acute viral infection seen mainly in adults who have had chicken pox, characterized by inflammation of the underlying spinal or cranial nerve pathway (producing painful vesicular eruptions on the skin along these nerve pathways).

165
Q

skull fracture (depressed)

A

a broken segment of the skull bone thrust into the brain as a result of a direct force, usually a blunt object

166
Q

Spina bifida cystica

A

a congenital defect of the CNS in which the back portion of one or more vertebrae is not closed normally and a cyst protrudes through the opening in the back, usually at the level of the fifth lumbar or first sacral vertebrae.

167
Q

meningocele

A

a cystlike sac covered with skin or a thin membrane protruding through the bony defect in the vertebrae containing meninges and CSF

168
Q

meningomyelocele

A

a cystlike sac covered with skin or a thin membrane protruding through the bony defect in the vertebrae that contains meninges, CSF and spinal cord segments

169
Q

spina bifida occulta

A

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.

170
Q

spinal cord injuries

A

severe injuries to the spinal cord, such as vertebral dislocation or vertebral fractures, resulting in impairment of spinal cord function below the level of the injury.

171
Q

paraplegia

A

(paralysis of the lower extremities) is caused by severe injury to the spinal cord in the thoracic or lumbar region, resulting in loss of sensory and motor control below the level of injury.

172
Q

quadriplegia

A

follows severe trauma to the spinal cord between the fifth and seventh cervical vertebrae, generally resulting in loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury.

173
Q

Tay-Sachs disease

A

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

174
Q

trigeminal neuralgia

A

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

175
Q

Babinski’s reflex

A

can be tested by stroking the sole of the foot beginning at midheel and moving upward and lateral t the toes. A positive occurs when there is dorsiflexion of the great toe and fanning of the other toes.

176
Q

brain scan

A

a brain scan is a nuclear counter scanning of cranial content two hours after an intravenous injection of radioisotopes

177
Q

cerebral angiography

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)

178
Q

cerebrospinal fluid analysis

A

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

179
Q

CT of the brain

A

analysis of a three-dimensional view of brain tissue obtained as X-ray beams pass through successive horizontal layers of the brain

180
Q

chordotomy

A

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.

181
Q

cisternal puncture

A

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.

182
Q

craniotomy

A

a surgical procedure that makes an opening into the skull

183
Q

echoencephalography

A

Ultrasound used to analyze the intracranial structures of the brain

184
Q

electroencephalography (EEG)

A

measurement of electrical activity produced by the brain and recorded through electrodes place don the scalp

185
Q

electromyography

A

is the process of recording the electrical activity of muscle by inserting a small needle into the muscle and delivering a small current that stimulates the muscle

186
Q

laminectomy

A

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

187
Q

lumbar puncture

A

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

188
Q

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A

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

189
Q

myelography

A

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.

190
Q

neurectomy

A

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

191
Q

pneumoencephalography

A

used to visualize radiographically one of the ventricles or fluid-occupying spaces in the CNS.

192
Q

polysomnogram

A

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.

193
Q

positron emission tomography (PET)

A

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

194
Q

Romberg test

A

used to evaluate cerebellar function and balance

195
Q

stereotaxic neurosurgery

A

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.

196
Q

sympathectomy

A

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

197
Q

tractotomy

A

involves a craniotomy, through which the anterolateral pathway in the brain stem is surgically divided in an attempt to relieve pain.

198
Q

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

A

a form of cutaneous stimulation for pain relief that supplies electrical impulses to the nerve endings of a nerve close to the pain site.

199
Q

ACTH

A

adrenocorticotrophic hormone

200
Q

ALS

A

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

201
Q

ANS

A

autonomic nervous system

202
Q

CAT

A

computerized axial tomography

203
Q

CNS

A

central nervous system

204
Q

CSF

A

cerebrospinal fluid

205
Q

CT

A

computed tomography

206
Q

CVA

A

cerebrovascular accident; stroke

207
Q

EEG

A

electroencephalogram

208
Q

EMG

A

electromyography

209
Q

EST

A

electric shock therapy

210
Q

ICP

A

intracranial pressure

211
Q

LOC

A

level of consciousness

212
Q

LP

A

lumbar puncture

213
Q

MRI

A

magnetic resonance imaging

214
Q

MS

A

multiple sclerosis

215
Q

MSLT

A

multiple sleep latency test

216
Q

NCS

A

nerve conduction study

217
Q

NPH

A

normal-pressure hydrocehalus

218
Q

NREM

A

non-rapid eye movement (stage of sleep)

219
Q

PEG

A

pneumoencephalogram

220
Q

PET

A

positron emission tomography

221
Q

PNS

A

peripheral nervous system

222
Q

PSG

A

polysomnogram

223
Q

REM

A

rapid eye movement (stage of sleep)

224
Q

RT

A

reading test

225
Q

SNS

A

somatic nervous system

226
Q

TENS

A

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

227
Q

TIA

A

transient ischemic attack

Medical Terminology (27 decks)

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