Krembil Neuroscience Centre (KNC)

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This is not an exhaustive list, but includes some of the terminology commonly used in the assessment and treatment of neurological disorders. To view this glossary simply click on the corresponding letter below:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Absence seizure (petit mal seizure)
generalized seizure characterized by abrupt cessation of ongoing activity with a blank stare and lost or impaired consciousness lasting on average 10-20 seconds

Alzheimer's disease
A progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual loss of cognitive skills, such as memory. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. Several changes occur in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The brain cells shrink or disappear, and are replaced by dense, irregularly-shaped spots, or plaques. Another indicator of the disease is thread-like tangles within existing brain cells. These tangles eventually choke healthy brain cells. This shrinkage will continue over time, affecting how the brain functions.

Anterior

The front portion of the body. It is often used to indicate the position of one structure relative to another.

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

A tangle of abnormal and poorly formed arteries and veins that can be found anywhere in the body. They are very rare and occur in less than 1% of the general population. AVMs that occur in the coverings of the brain are called Dural AVMs.

Arthritis

Inflammation of a joint usually characterized by swelling, pain, and restriction of motion.

Autogenous Bone

Bone originating from the same individual; meaning, an individual's own bone.

Autograft Bone

Bone transplanted from one part to another part of the body in the same individual.

Auditory evoked response testing

Measures the electrical activity generated by sound that travels from the inner ear to the brainstem.

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