Key Terms in Neurology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary terms related to neurology and related medical concepts for exam preparation.

Convulsion

A sudden, violent, and uncontrolled contraction of muscles.

Electroencephalogram

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain.

Ictal

Referring to a seizure or the period during a seizure.

Neurologist

A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders.

Neurology

The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.

Visceral

Relating to the internal organs.

Cognition

The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought.

Cognitive

Related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.

Paresthesia

An abnormal sensation, such as tingling or pricking.

Ependyma

The thin layer of tissue lining the ventricles of the brain.

Ependymal

Referring to the ependyma tissue.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Epidural

Pertaining to the space between the dura mater and the vertebral wall.

Intervertebral

Existing or occurring between vertebrae.

Spinal Tap

A procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal.

Spina Bifida

A birth defect where the spine does not close properly around the spinal cord.

Hydronephrosis

Swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine.

Hydronephrotic

Relating to or affected by hydronephrosis.

Dysuria

Painful or difficult urination.

Spasm/Spastic

A sudden involuntary muscle contraction.

Activity of Daily Living

Basic self-care tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing.

Cataplexy

A sudden loss of muscle tone often triggered by strong emotion.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Postictal

Referring to the state following a seizure.

Tic

A sudden, repetitive movement or sound.

Tourette Syndrome

A disorder characterized by multiple tics and involuntary vocalizations.

Aneurysm

An abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels.

Syncope

Temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain.

Delirium

An acute, confused state characterized by the inability to think clearly.

Contusion

A bruise, or bleeding beneath the skin.

Insomnia

Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Nephrolithiasis

The condition of forming kidney stones.

Oliguria

Low urine output.

Micturition

The act of urination.

Micturate

To urinate.

Proteinuria

Excessive protein in the urine.

Incontinence

The inability to control urination or defecation.

Thrombolysis

The breakdown of blood clots.

Thrombolytic

Pertaining to the dissolving of blood clots.

Atrophy

The wasting away or decrease in size of an organ or tissue.

Ataxia

Loss of control of bodily movements.

Neuralgia

Severe pain along the path of a nerve.

Dementia

A group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.

Electromyography

A diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis of one side of the body.

Hemiplegic

Affected by hemiplegia.

Palsy

A condition characterized by paralysis or weakness.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis of all four limbs.

Quadriplegic

Affected by quadriplegia.

Intrathecal

Administered within the space under the arachnoid membrane of the brain or spinal cord.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain, often caused by an infection.

Hydrocephalus

A condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.

Spondylosis

Degeneration of the spine, often related to aging.

Calculus / Calculi

A stone formed in the body, such as a kidney stone.

Calyx

A division of the renal pelvis that collects urine from the kidney.

Urology

The branch of medicine dealing with the urinary system and male reproductive organs.

Hematuria

Presence of blood in the urine.