Glossary of terms

brachial plexus injuries

injuries to the major nerve group of the arm

See also Brachial plexus program overviewMotion Analysis CenterRehabilitative servicesTypes of brachial plexus injuries

brain tumors

the most common solid malignancy in childhood; every year they strike 33 out of every million children under the age of 15

See also A Journey of Hope (video)Brain tumor researchMany specialties are involved in treatmentOverview of Falk Brain Tumor CenterPulmonary habilitation programServicesThe INTRABEAM™ systemTreatment and outlookTypes of tumorsYoung Associates BoardA little girl's legacy spurs brain tumor researchBrandt travels halfway around the world for treatmentCollaborations signal hope for children with brain tumorsErin shows bravery in brain tumor battleINTRABEAM helps Stephanie battle brain tumorJake takes on brain tumorSpelling out superior nursing for children with cancer: C-P-O-N

Chiari malformations

deformity of the brain often associated with the bony opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. Fetal Chiari malformations are diagnosed before birth by ultrasound and MRI exams of the pregnant mother.

See also Institute for Fetal HealthOverview of Institute for Fetal Health

CO2 laser

tool to used to aid in the dissection of tissues in and around neurologic structures. Its most useful function is in vaporizing lipomas located in the spinal canal.

cranial deformities

abnormalities of the skull. Fetal cranial abnormalities are diagnosed by unltrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before birth.

See also Institute for Fetal HealthPlastic and reconstructive surgeryRehabilitative services

epilepsy (seizure disorder)

altered behavior that occurs when the brain receives a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupts normal electrical brain function. Epilepsy is two or more seizures that occur without a special cause.

See also Children's Memorial Epilepsy CenterEpilepsy in childrenNeurologyNordstron Epilepsy Observation UnitIn search of tomorrow’s cures

frameless stereotactic instrumentation

technique used to precisely locate intracranial lesions

head injuries

trauma to the head/brain

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)Motion Analysis Center

hydrocephalus

the lack of absorption, blockage of flow, or overproduction of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) that is found inside of the ventricles (fluid-filled areas) inside of the brain. This may result in a build-up of fluid, which may cause the pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull bones to expand to a larger-than-normal appearance. Fetal hydrocephalus is found by ultrasound during pregnancy and is often further visualized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

See also Fetal hydrocephalusFetal spina bifidaFetal ventriculomegalyInstitute for Fetal HealthJoin us for One Small Voice Foundation's 5th Annual 5K Walk!After life-threatening start, Jack is right on track

neuroendoscope

a small device that allows the identification of the anatomy of the brain's ventricular system. It aids the neurosurgeon in placing the shunt in the optimal location in the brain.

operating microscope

special microscope used to magnify the operative field and aids in visualizing areas requiring delicate dissection both intracranially and intraspinally

real-time ultrasonography

a diagnostic tool used in various procedures to help identify cysts, fluid spaces and tumors within the brain. It allows the surgeon to approach the lesion via the least invasive route.

spina bifida (also called meningomyelocele or neural tube defect)

Present at birth, the condition affects the development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves, and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. This neurological condition can cause a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body. The sac-like lesion can occur anywhere along the spine. Fetal spina bifida is diagnosed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) so that special preparations can be made for optimal care at delivery.

See also Fetal spina bifidaInstitute for Fetal HealthMotion Analysis CenterOrthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicineOur spina bifida programPlanned givingRefereed scientific articles published or accepted for publicationResearchSpina bifidaSpina bifida information for teens and young adultsBridget’s remarkable triumphKelly conquers spina bifidaSpina bifida patients to get their own places

spinal cord injury (SCI)

a traumatic injury that either results in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear in the spinal cord

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)

syringohydromyelia

spinal cord abnormalities