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R

RADIOSURGERY – Also called Radiotherapy. A medical procedure that allows non-invasive brain surgery (without opening the skull) by means of a precise dosage of ionized radiation. These beams are used to destroy intracranial tumors and other lesions that could be otherwise inaccessible or inadequate for open surgery.

RESIDENCY - In the United States, neurosurgeons undergo a training program, known as a residency, consisting of five to seven years of postgraduate study in neurosurgery (following a mandatory one-year surgery internship). After completing their residency training, some neurosurgeons undertake advanced subspecialty training in programs known as fellowships which are typically one or two years in duration.

ROENTGENOGRAM – An X-ray uses photosensitive film to see body tissues, commonly used to diagnose fractures, fluid in the lungs, and tumors, but it does not show nerves or herniated discs.  Bone calcium blocks the X-ray beam, creating a shadow effect.

RUPTURED DISC – See Herniated Disc.

S

SACCULAR ANEURYSM – The most common form of cerebral aneurysms and refers to those with a sack-like outpouching.

SACRUM – The part of the tailbone just above the coccyx and below the lumbar spine.

SCIATICA – Irritation of the sciatic nerve resulting in pain or tingling running down the inside of the leg.

SCOLIOSIS – An abnormal curve of the spine.

SHUNT - A tube or device implanted in the body to re-divert excess CSF away from the brain to another place in the body.

SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (SPECT) – A SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test that is used to view how blood flows through arteries and veins in the brain.  It uses computed tomography (CT) and a radioactive material (tracer) that allows doctors to see how blood flows to tissues and organs.  The patient is injected with a chemical that is radiolabled that emits gamma rays that can be detected by the scanner.  The chemical stays in the blood stream rather than being absorbed by surrounding tissues, thereby limiting the images to areas where blood flows.  The computer collects the information emitted by the gamma rays and translates them into 2-D cross-sections.  These cross-sections can be added back together to form a 3-D image.  This type of scanning is also useful in diagnosing spondylolysis (stress fractures in the spine), blood deprived (ischemic) areas of the brain following a stroke, and tumors.

SLIPPED or RUPTURED DISC –  See HERNIATED DISC

SPINAL CANAL – The spinal canal is the space through which the spinal cord passes. The canal is enclosed within the intervertebral foramen (holes) of the vertebral arch.

SPINAL CORD – The spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system, enclosed in the spinal canal and protected in the vertebral column.

SPINAL FUSION – A surgical procedure performed to immobilize painful or unstable spinal segments by combining two or more vertebrae. Bone is grafted across a section of the vertebra, thus fusing the area and restricting motion between the segments. Often used to treat degenerative disc disease, but also used to treat scoliosis, kyphosis, fractures and tumors.

SPINAL STENOSIS - Narrowing of the nerve openings either around the spinal cord or nerve roots that can cause symptoms similar to a pinched nerve. In the neck, it is referred to as cervical spinal stenosis or CSS, and in the back, as lumbar spinal stenosis or LSS.

SPINE – See Vertebral Column.

STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY – Stereotactic radiosurgery uses 3-D computerized image to target and deliver a concentrated dose of radiation to an affected area, with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.  No incision is required and general anesthesia is not required for adults.  Staged treatment in two to five sessions can eliminate the tumor while decreasing potential side effects of a single large dose of radiation.  It is an option for many patients with abnormal blood vessels in the brain such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), brain tumors, and trigeminal neuralgia.

STROKE – Also called Brain Attack. Occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted and brain tissue is deprived of the oxygen and nutrients it needs. The result is that brain cells begin to die within minutes. Stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurologic damage or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE (SAH) - The type of brain hemorrhage in which blood from a ruptured blood vessel spreads over the surface of the brain. The most common cause is a ruptured aneurysm.

SUBSTANTIA NIGRA – A small area of the brain, in the basal ganglia, that contains a cluster of black-pigmented nerve cells which produce dopamine. Degeneration of cells in this region may lead to a neurologic movement disorder such as Parkinson's disease

T

T# - The letter T followed by a number identifies a specific vertebra in the thoracic spine. For example, T3 is the 3rd vertebra in the thoracic spine.

TEMPORAL LOBES - There are two temporal lobes, one on each side of the brain, typically located at just about the ear level. The temporal lobes are responsible for hearing, taste, smell, language and short-term memory. The right temporal lobe is mainly involved in visual memory, such as pictures or faces, while the left temporal lobe is mainly involved in verbal memory, such as words and names.

TERATOMA – A tumor or growth made up of several different types of tissue (fat, bone, muscle, skin).

THORACIC – The mid-upper back, chest area between the cervical (neck region) and lumbar (low back) spine.

TRANSECTION – A complete tear in the spinal cord.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) – A blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.  TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.  Mild cases may result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness, while severe cases may result in extended periods of unconsciousness, coma, or even death.  Sports and recreational activities contribute to about 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among American children and adolescents.

TREMOR - Rhythmic involuntary movements (fast or slow) involving the arms, legs or head, occurring in numerous illnesses and conditions and greatly varying in type and severity.

TUMOR – A mass created by an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).


U

ULTRASOUND - The use of high-frequency sound to create images of internal body structures.

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