Neuro Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
encephalocele
Congenital neural tube defect resulting in herniation of brain tissue through a skull opening.
intraoperative rupture
Unintended vessel or tissue rupture during neurosurgical procedures, potentially causing hemorrhage.
intraoperative ultrasound
Real-time ultrasound imaging used during brain surgery to guide tumor resection and assess completeness.
laminectomy
Surgical removal of the lamina (posterior arch) of one or more vertebrae to decompress the spinal cord or nerve roots.
leptomeningeal enhancement
Abnormal contrast uptake in the brain's thin meningeal layers on MRI, indicating inflammation or malignant infiltration.
mass effect
Displacement or compression of brain structures caused by a space-occupying lesion such as a tumor, hematoma, or abscess...
meningioma
Typically benign brain tumor arising from the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain.
microvascular decompression
Surgical technique to relieve nerve compression by repositioning blood vessels using microscopic visualization.
motor evoked potentials
Electrophysiological signals used during surgery to monitor motor pathway integrity by stimulating the motor cortex and...
neuroendoscopy
Minimally invasive neurosurgical technique using an endoscope for visualization and treatment of intracranial pathology.
neurogenic pulmonary edema
Acute lung injury resulting from sudden severe brain injury, characterized by rapid onset of respiratory distress and bi...
neurogenic shock
Distributive shock resulting from severe central nervous system injury causing autonomic dysfunction.
neurological deficit
Loss or impairment of normal neurological function resulting from brain injury, disease, or surgical intervention.
neuronavigation
Computer-assisted surgical guidance system using preoperative imaging to provide real-time spatial orientation during br...
neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, particularly relevant in surgical planning and rehabi...
oligodendroglioma
Primary brain tumor arising from oligodendrocytes, often characterized by 1p/19q codeletion and better prognosis.
orbitozygomatic craniotomy
A surgical approach involving removal of the orbital rim and zygomatic arch to access skull base lesions.
pneumocephalus
The presence of air within the intracranial space, typically occurring as a complication of neurosurgical procedures.
posterior fossa decompression
Surgical procedure involving removal of bone from the back of the skull to relieve pressure on the brainstem and cerebel...
postoperative edema
Brain swelling that occurs following neurosurgical procedures due to tissue trauma and inflammation.
postoperative hematoma
Accumulation of blood in the surgical site following neurosurgical procedures, potentially requiring evacuation.
postoperative hemorrhage
Bleeding that occurs after neurosurgical procedures, potentially requiring immediate intervention to prevent neurologica...
pseudomeningocele
An abnormal collection of cerebrospinal fluid outside the dura mater, typically occurring as a complication of neurosurg...
pseudotumor cerebri
Condition of increased intracranial pressure without identifiable mass lesion or ventricular enlargement.
pterional approach
Frontotemporal craniotomy technique providing access to anterior skull base and middle cerebral artery territory.