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Neuro Surgery Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

encephalocele

Professional Technical IVT

Congenital neural tube defect resulting in herniation of brain tissue through a skull opening.

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anaplastic astrocytoma

Professional Technical IVT

WHO grade III astrocytic tumor characterized by increased cellularity, nuclear atypia, and mitotic activity.

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arteriovenous malformation

Advanced Technical IVT

Abnormal vascular connection between arteries and veins bypassing normal capillary circulation.

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astrocytoma

Professional Technical IVT

Primary brain tumor arising from astrocytes, classified by WHO grade and molecular features including IDH mutation statu...

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awake craniotomy

Advanced Technical IVT

Neurosurgical procedure performed while the patient remains conscious to monitor brain function.

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biopsy-proven tumor

Intermediate Technical IVT

A brain tumor whose pathological diagnosis has been confirmed through tissue sampling. Used to distinguish from radiogra...

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brain death protocol

Advanced Formal IVT

Standardized clinical examination and testing procedures used to determine irreversible cessation of all brain function.

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brain retraction

Professional Technical IVT

Gentle displacement of brain tissue using specialized instruments to create surgical exposure while minimizing injury.

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brain shift

Advanced Technical IVT

Movement and deformation of brain tissue during surgery due to CSF loss and tissue manipulation.

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brain tumor recurrence

Intermediate Technical IVT

Return of tumor growth after initial treatment, requiring ongoing monitoring and potential re-intervention.

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burr hole

Intermediate Technical IVT

A small circular hole drilled through the skull to access the brain or relieve pressure.

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cerebellar mutism

Professional Technical IVT

A postoperative complication following posterior fossa surgery characterized by temporary loss of speech and communicati...

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cerebellar tonsillar herniation

Advanced Technical IVT

Downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, potentially compressing the brainstem.

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cerebellar vermis

Intermediate Technical IVT

Midline structure of the cerebellum connecting the two hemispheres, critical for balance and coordination.

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cerebrospinal fluid diversion

Professional Technical IVT

A neurosurgical procedure to redirect cerebrospinal fluid flow when normal pathways are obstructed or impaired.

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cerebrospinal fluid leak

Intermediate Technical IVT

Abnormal escape of cerebrospinal fluid through a defect in the dura mater or skull base.

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cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea

Advanced Technical IVT

Abnormal drainage of cerebrospinal fluid from the ear, typically following skull base trauma or surgery.

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cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Intermediate Technical IVT

Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose, often following skull base surgery or trauma.

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Chiari malformation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Congenital condition where cerebellar tissue extends below the skull into the spinal canal.

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cisternal drainage

Advanced Technical IVT

Surgical technique for draining cerebrospinal fluid from basal cisterns to reduce intracranial pressure.

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corpus callosotomy

Advanced Technical IVT

Surgical procedure involving division of the corpus callosum to treat severe epilepsy.

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cortical mapping

Professional Technical IVT

Intraoperative technique to identify functional brain areas to guide safe tumor resection and avoid neurological deficit...

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cranioplasty

Professional Technical IVT

Surgical reconstruction of skull defects using autologous bone, synthetic materials, or allografts.

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craniosynostosis

Intermediate Technical IVT

Premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures in infants, leading to abnormal skull shape and potential brain growth r...

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craniotomy

Intermediate Technical IVT

Surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the skull to access the brain.

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