Neurosurgical Terms - Chapter 9

Question 1

Ictal

Answer 1

Related to a seizure (as in, the ictal focus is the location where a seizure originates).

Question 2

Instrumentation

Answer 2

Metal supports sometimes used in spinal fusions to help steady the spine while it fuses. Common types of support include plates, rods, or screws.

Question 3

Intra-arterial

Answer 3

Delivered into an artery (as opposed to intravenous, which is delivered into a vein).

Question 4

Intra-arterial catheterization angiography

Answer 4

An invasive study in which a catheter (a small tube) is placed in an artery (usually the femoral artery) and guided into the arteries in the neck and head. Contrast material is injected, which makes the blood vessels visible on an x-ray image.

Question 5

Intracerebral hematoma

Answer 5

A blood clot within the brain.

Question 6

Intracranial pressure (ICP)

Answer 6

The overall pressure inside the skull.

Question 7

Intravenous

Answer 7

Delivered into a vein.

Question 8

Intrathecal

Answer 8

Within a theca or the dura mater membrane that surrounds the spinal canal.

Question 9

Internal fixation

Answer 9

The insertion of metal rods, wires, pins, screws, or plates (or a combination of these) into bone fragments.

Question 10

Ischemia

Answer 10

Inadequate circulation of blood, generally due to a blockage of an artery.