Neurological Terms

For a great site giving explanations (aimed at older children) about nerve cells and the nervous system, try this link
	Term	Medical Definition
A	aphasia	Disorder of speech due to a brain lesion
	*arachnoid*	Middle layer of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
	*ataxia*	A loss of muscular coordination, abnormal clumsiness
	*atrophy*	A wasting of the tissues of a body part
	*autonomic (of the nervous system)*	The autonomic nervous system is divided into parasympathetic and sympathetic portions. They are made up of nerve cells and fibres which cannot be controlled at will. They are concerned with reflex control of bodily functions.
B	*bradykinesia*	Slowness of movement
C	*cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)*	Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates around and protects the brain and spinal cord.
	*cranial nerves*	Twelve pairs of nerves that originate in the brain and provide sensory and motor innervation to regions of the head, neck, thorax and abdomen.
	*CT scan*	(computed tomography scan) A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer reads x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone.
	CVA	cerebrovascular accident/attack - a leakage from or blockage in the blood vessels in the brain - often used in hospitals when a suspected stroke has occurred.
D	*degenerative*	Something which causes deterioration in quality or function
	*dura mater*	A tough fibrous membrane which covers the brain and spinal cord, but is separated from them by a small space
	*dyskinesia*	Impairment of voluntary movement
	*dysphagia*	Difficulty in swallowing or digesting food, often associated with nerve damage due to neurological illness such as stroke, MS or Parkinson's disease. Speech and Language Therapists can help with this condition and offer advice.
E	electroencephalography (EEG) -	The study of the electrical currents set up by brain actions; the record made is called an electroencephalogram.
	epidural haematoma	A blood clot between the dura mater and the inside of the skull.
L	lesion	Pathological change in bodily tissue
M	*meninges*	Three membranes (dura, arachnoid and pia mater) that envelop the brain and spinal cord. (Hence meningitis = inflammation of the meninges)
	*motor*	Pertaining to action
	*MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)*	see link for more information
	*myelin*	The white, fatty substance constituting the medullary sheath of a nerve.
	*myelitis*	Inflammation of the spinal cord
	*myopathy*	Any disease of the muscles
N	*Nerve Centre*	Useful centre (hopefully!) in the north of Scotland, where conditions affecting the nervous system/nerves of the body are given more prominence than they might otherwise. Nothing whatsoever to do with being nervous or unsure.....!
	*nervous system*	The structure controlling the actions and functions of the body; it comprises the brain and spinal cord and their nerves, and the ganglia and fibres forming the autonomic system
	*neuritis*	Inflammation of a nerve
	*neurology*	The science and study of nerves - their structure, function and pathology; the branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the nervous system
	*neurological*	Concerned with neurology (see above)
	*neurone/neuron*	The structural unit of the nervous system comprising fibres (dendrites) which convey impulses to the nerve cell; the nerve cell itself, and the fibres (axons) which convey impulses from the cell.
P	*pathology*	The science which deals with the cause and nature of disease
	More will be added...