Here is a short and simple explanation of words and terminology used on this website.
Abscess
Abscess in the brain is an encapsulated collection of pus, most often caused by a virus or bacterial infection.
Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a blood filled dilation of a blood vessel (like a balloon). It occurs most often in arteries at the base of the brain and in the aorta.
AVM
Arterio Venus Malformation is an abnormal collection of arteries and veins.
Brain tumor
A mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain.
Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body.
Cranial nerves
Cranial nerves are nerves that emerge directly from the brain stem in contrast to spinal nerves which emerge from segments of the spinal cord.
CUSA
Cavitating Ultra-Sound Aspirator, a suction instrument used to remove destroyed tissue.
Cyst
A cyst is a closed cavity containing fluid, air or semi-solid material.
Hemangioma
A hemangioma is an abnormal build up of blood vessels in the skin or in internal organs. It is the most common type of vascular malformation.
Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of blood in a tissue or organ (outside the blood vessels).
Intraoperative
Intraoperative refers to actions performed "during surgery."
Meninges
The meninges are the three layers of protective tissue that surround the brain and the spinal cord. The layers are called dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique visualizing the contrasting structures of the body. It employs a magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetization of hydrogen atoms in water in the body. MR T1 and MR T2 are two different modalities for showing the contrasts in the images.
Neuronavigation
Describes various patient imaging techniques often implemented by neurosurgeons to help plan a precise surgical procedure and safely guide surgical instruments, avoiding eloquent areas of the brain, during surgery.
Pineal Gland
The Pineal gland is shaped like a small pinecone and is located near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres. The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. The pineal gland is also called the pineal body.
Pituitary Gland
A gland, approximately 1 cm in diameter, located between the brain and the nose. The gland is connected to the brain through the pituitary stalk, which is 2 mm in diameter, and the gland is located in a special ”room” in the cranium, the pituitary fossa which is located below the skull base.
Tumor resection
Tumor resection refers to surgery performed to remove tissue.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique using high frequency soundwaves to produce images of structures located inside the body.
