Glossary of Common Neurosurgery Related Words

Analgesic - a type of medication used for pain control. Common examples are Tylenol, Advil, and Ibuprofen.

Bulb reservoir - part of most shunt valves that acts as a collecting space for CSF. The doctor can also use the reservoir to test the shunt and make sure it is working properly.

Burr hole - a small hole that doctors carefully drill into the skull to expose the dura matter of the brain. 

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) - a thin, water-like fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to protect them and provide essential nutrients.

CT (computed tomography) scan - a diagnostic tool that captures and combines many x-ray images to create a detailed, three-dimensional picture of soft tissue and bone.

Congenital - referring to a trait or disease present since birth.

Crainiotomy - a surgical procedure where the skull is opened, normally done with a skull flap.

Cyst - a fluid-filled enclosed membrane, cavity, or sack that can form anywhere in the body.

Downward gaze - when a person's eyes move down or stay fixed downward during a seizure. This movement is involuntary and is often due to abnormal activity in the part of the brain that controls eye movement.

Electrocorticography - also known as intracranial EEG or deep brain EGG. A surgical procedure that involves placing electrodes in the brain to record electrical activity of deep brain structures.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the brain. Small sensors are placed on the scalp, which detect brain waves and show patterns that help doctors check for issues like seizures.

Endoscope - a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end that doctors use to look inside the body.

External ventricular drainage (EVD) - a medical procedure where a thin tube is placed into the brain's fluid-filled spaces (ventricles) to drain excess fluid. This procedure is done to help relieve pressure in the brain.

Fontanelle - a soft spot on a baby's skull where the bones haven't fully joined yet. These soft areas allow the baby's head to be flexible during birth and give the brain room to grow.

Hydrocephalus - a condition where too much fluid builds up in the brain, causing increased pressure. This can result in headaches, vision problems, seizures, and other symptoms.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) - the pressure inside the skull, created by the brain tissue, blood, and fluid around the brain.

ICP monitor - a medical device used to measure the pressure inside the skull. It’s usually placed through a small opening in the skull, and it helps doctors track pressure levels in the brain.

Intubation - a medical procedure where a tube is placed through the mouth or nose into the windpipe to help a person breathe. This is often done during surgery or in emergencies when someone can’t breathe on their own.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) - bleeding in the brain's fluid-filled spaces (ventricles).

Lumbar puncture - also known as a spinal tap, is a procedure where a doctor takes a small sample of the fluid around the spine to check for infections, inflammation, or other conditions. A needle is inserted into the lower back to collect the fluid, and the procedure can also help relieve pressure on the brain.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a test that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body, without using radiation.

NPO - a medical term meaning "nothing by mouth." It means a person should not eat or drink anything for a certain period, often before surgery or a medical test.

Papilledema - swelling of the optic nerve at the back of the eye, often caused by increased pressure in the brain. It can affect vision and is usually a sign of a serious medical condition, like a brain tumor or brain injury.

Seizure - a sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behaviour, movement, or awareness. It can range from mild, like staring blankly, to severe, with shaking or convulsions.

Shunt - a tube that helps move fluid from one part of the body to another. It’s often used in the brain to drain excess fluid and relieve pressure.

Stenosis - the narrowing of the spinal canal or blood vessels in the brain that can put pressure on nerves and affect movement, sensation, or other brain functions.

Stroke - a medical emergency that happens when the blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, causing brain cells to be damaged.

Ventricle - a hollow space in the brain that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. These ventricles help cushion the brain and remove waste.