Purchasing Resources for Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery Key Terms

Understanding basic neurosurgery related vocabulary
By Lisa Maloney There's a common misconception that neurosurgeons treat only disorders within the brain and head. The truth is that neurosurgery deals with the entire nervous system, which extends throughout the body. The nervous system governs higher functions such as movement and speech and more basic functions like breathing and heartbeat.
 

While the field of neurosurgery is far too complex to define its key terms in just one page, this guide will get you started with definitions of some key tests, brain anatomy and the definition of neurosurgery itself.

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is the surgical discipline dedicated to the repair and treatment of the entire nervous system, including but not limited to the brain.
Try: The Indiana University Medical Group defines neurosurgery and gives examples of the conditions that may be treated.

Brainstem

The brainstem, located at the base of the brain, is where most of the cranial nerves originate. The brainstem governs survival functions such as breathing and heartbeat.
Try: NeuroLogic Exam details the cranial nerve anatomy in the brainstem and offers downloadable video lessons.

Carotid duplex

The carotid duplex or carotid ultrasound test works uses sound waves to produce an image of the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain, head, and neck.
Try: Neurosurgery Today defines the carotid duplex procedure and explains its lack of risks and side effects, due in particular to its non-invasive nature.

Cerebral angiography

Cerebral angiography is a diagnostic test used by neurosurgeons to track the flow of blood in the brain. It uses a contrast dye to show narrowing or obstructions of blood flow.
Try: The Internet Stroke Center explains how cerebral angiography works.

Brain aneurysm

Also called a cerebral aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm, a brain aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in one of the arteries in the brain. An aneurysm is a very serious condition because if the artery bursts, it may lead to stroke, hemorrhaging or death.
Try: The American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology's brain aneurysm resource page defines brain aneurysms and offers links to information about treatments for brain aneurysms.

Autonomic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system helps us to adapt to changes in our environment and regulates functions such as heartbeat, blood vessel size and pressure, and air flow in the lungs. The autonomic nervous system, while branching throughout the entire body, is still considered to be a neurosurgeon's domain since it is part of the body's nerve network.
Try: The University of Washington explains the autonomic nervous system with information about its three component parts, the sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems.