neurological

Neurologist

A medical doctor specializing in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and management of injuries, diseases, and disorders of the nervous system.

Nervous System

A system of cells, tissues, and organs that regulates the body's response to internal and external stimuli.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes nerves coming directly from the brain to the face and nerves from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals to peripheral nerves and receptor organs.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that communicate messages between nerve cells and other parts of the body.

Afferent Fibers

Nerve fibers that transmit impulses from receptors to the central nervous system.

Efferent Fibers

Nerve fibers that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Sudden death of brain cells due to a lack of oxygen when blood flow to the brain is disrupted; commonly known as a stroke.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary neurological problem causing no permanent damage, often called a mini-stroke.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis of one side of the body.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis of all four extremities.

Paraplegia

Paralysis of both legs.

Monoplegia

Paralysis of one limb.

Epilepsy

A brain disorder characterized by uncontrolled electrical discharges of neurons.

Parkinson's Disease

A progressive disorder affecting movement, due to the degeneration of nerves in the brain stem.

Alzheimer's Disease

A condition of diffuse atrophy throughout the cerebral cortex leading to a decline in intellectual and physical functions.

/plegia

Suffix meaning paralysis or stroke.

ICP

Intracranial pressure.

CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid.

TBI

Traumatic brain injury.

MG

Myasthenia gravis.

ABR

Auditory brainstem response.

LP

Lumbar puncture.

ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

mening/o

Meninges, membrane.

cerebr/o

Cerebrum, brain.

MG

Myasthenia gravis.

CNS

Central nervous system.

MS

Multiple sclerosis.

CP

Cerebral palsy.

myel/o

Marrow, spinal cord.

crani/o

Skull.

neur/o

Nerve.

CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid.

PET

Positron emission tomography.

CVA

Cerebrovascular accident.

PNS

Peripheral nervous system.

electr/o

Electricity.

Sz

Seizure.

encephal/o

Brain.

TBI

Traumatic brain injury.

esthesi/

Sensation, feeling.

TENS

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

ICP

Intracranial pressure.

TIA

Transient ischemic attack.

kines/o

Movement.