Neuraxis
Pronunciation: /NYUR-oh-ak-sis/
The central nervous system pathway including the brain and spinal cord along which tumors can spread.
Full Definition
The neuraxis refers to the entire central nervous system pathway encompassing the brain and spinal cord, along which certain brain tumors can disseminate through cerebrospinal fluid. Neuraxis staging is particularly important for embryonal tumors, ependymomas, and some high-grade gliomas that have propensity for cerebrospinal fluid spread. Complete neuraxis imaging typically includes gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the brain and entire spinal cord, often accompanied by cerebrospinal fluid cytology to detect microscopic tumor cells.
Usage
Usage note: Use when referring to the complete brain-spinal cord pathway, not individual components.
In Context
- "Staging MRI revealed no evidence of neuraxis dissemination at diagnosis." — Radiology report
- "The treatment protocol included craniospinal radiation to cover the entire neuraxis." — Radiation therapy plan