Neurologist

A tough fibrous membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, but is separated from them by a small space. It is the outermost layer of the three membranes.

A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary that raises blood pressure and increases re-absorption of water by the kidneys.

acephalic migraine migraine variant consisting of the migraine aura without the headache; also known as migraine equivalent accommodation adjustment of the focal length of the lens of the eye in order to keep objects at varying distances in focus on the retina

akinesia paucity of movement akinetic mutism disorder of consciousness characterized by periods of sleep and periods of wakefulness during which the patient lies with eyes open but is unresponsive, mute, and immobile; often due to frontal lobe damage

anterior cord syndrome spinal cord injury syndrome associated with damage to the anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord, often due to occlusion of the anterior spinal artery resulting in bilateral paralysis, bladder dysfunction, and loss of pain sensation below the level of the lesion

autonomic nervous system part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates visceral function and homeostasis independent of voluntary control

A collection of specialized nerve cells at the base of the brain that controls the anterior and posterior pituitary secretions, and is involved in other basic regulatory functions such as temperature control and attention.

Radiography of blood vessels using the injection of material opaque to X-rays to give better definition to the vessels.

axonal degeneration neuropathic process resulting in degeneration of the axon and its myelin sheath; preferentially involves the distal portion of the axon ("dying back neuropathy")

associated reactions movements of body parts other than the ones that are intended to move, often increased with increased effort

astasia-abasia functional stance and gait characterized by bizarre movements, typically swaying wildly and nearly falling, but then recovering at the last minute

aneurysm (brain aneurysm, cerebral aneurysm) a bulging formation on an artery, usually caused by hypertension or an excessive amount of fatty deposits

activities of daily living (ADLs) activities a person performs for self-care (feeding, grooming, bathing, dressing), work, homemaking, and leisure; ability to perform ADLs is often used as a measure of ability/disability

Physician who administers pain-killing medications and monitors complications and reactions during surgery.

A break in the bones of the head in which some bone is pushed inward, possibly pushing on or cutting into the brain.

Operative method of reaching the pituitary gland or skull base traversing the nose and sinuses.

action potential rapid, transient, all-or-none nerve impulse initiated at the axon hillock; electrical signal by which the brain receives, analyzes, and conveys information

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) inexorably progressive and fatal disease of unknown cause characterized by slowly progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons

Tumor within the substance of the brain or spinal cord made up of astrocytes; often classified from Grade I (slow growing) to Grade III (rapid growing).

A collection of blood (clot) trapped under the dura matter, the outermost membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.