Neuro Terms and Definitions

Question 1

What is an acoustic neuroma?

Answer 1

A benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve

Question 2

Bone flap

Answer 2

A large area of bone raised for temporary or permanent removal.

Question 3

Burr/Perforator

Answer 3

Type of device that rotates and is used to create holes in the skull during surgery

Question 4

Cordotomy

Answer 4

Spinal cord division or cutting of lateral pathways to relieve pain.

Question 5

Rhizotomy

Answer 5

A dorsal nerve root is cut to relieve pain.

Question 6

Craniosynostosis

Answer 6

Premature closure of the skull sutures. (infants)

Question 7

Distraction

Answer 7

Is a type of joint mobilization technique that separates opposite joint surfaces.

Question 8

Spinal Fusion

Answer 8

Is the joining of one or more vertebra surgically.

Question 9

Nucleus pulposus

Answer 9

is the same as an intervertebral disc. (Disc)

Question 10

Herniated disc

Answer 10

is when a ruptured intervertebral nucleus pulposus (Disc) prolapses into the spinal canal.

Question 11

Hydrocephalus

Answer 11

is a condition in which there is an increased amount of CSF within the ventricles.

Question 12

Intrathecal

Answer 12

Intra- within thecal = dural sac (within the dural sac)

Question 13

Meningioma

Answer 13

tumor that originates in the arachnoidid tissue (it grows slowly)

Question 14

Spondylosis

Answer 14

an condition where the vertebral joint is unable to move.

Question 15

Trephine

Answer 15

Cylindrical saw for cutting a circular piece of bone out of the skull.

Question 16

Acoustic nerve

Answer 16

Vestibulocochlear nerve, 8th cranial nerve, auditory nerve - its function is hearing and equilibrium.

Question 17

Cancellous bone

Answer 17

spongy bone

Question 18

Disc

Answer 18

is a fibrocartilaginous tissue that separates the vertebral bodies.

Question 19

Fissure

Answer 19

is a deep furrow in the brain.

Question 20

Foramen Magnum

Answer 20

is an opening in the occipital bone which the spinal cord passes through from the brain.

Question 21

Foramina

Answer 21

(Foramen) hole in a bone where nerves pass through.

Question 22

Galea

Answer 22

Facia of the scalp

Question 23

Hematoma

Answer 23

a collection of blood.

Question 24

Subdural hematoma

Answer 24

a collection of blood below the dura. Can come from a torn vessel.

Question 25

Epidural hematoma

Answer 25

collection of blood above the dura. Can come from a torn vessel.

Question 26

Iliac crest

Answer 26

The flared part of the pelvis. The iliac crest can be used as an autograft for spinal fusions.

Question 27

Lamina

Answer 27

is the flat part on either side of the arch of the vertebra.

Question 28

Median nerve

Answer 28

is a motor and sensory nerve of the arm (palm & 1st four fingers)

Question 29

Medulla oblongata

Answer 29

the part of the brainstem that regulates heart rate, breathing, blood pressure.

Question 30

Pineal gland

Answer 30

located in in the diencephalon, secretes, melatonin, which induces sleep.

Question 31

Pituitary gland

Answer 31

Master gland, attached to the hypothalamus, secretes hormones that regulate hormones.

Question 32

Ventricle

Answer 32

one of the fluid filled cavities of the brain that contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 33

Acoustic neuroma resection

Answer 33

removal of a benign tumor of the 8th cranial nerve

Question 34

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion

Answer 34

is a surgical excision of a cervical herniated disc with stabilization of the spine by using hardware. (plates & screws)

Question 35

Carpal Tunnel Release

Answer 35

is a surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.by This is accomplished by releasing of the median nerve at the wrist by cutting the ligament.

Question 36

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Answer 36

A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face.

Question 37

Tic douloureux

Answer 37

Trigeminal neuralgia- type of chronic pain disorder that involves sudden, severe facial pain.