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.
anaplastic astrocytoma
WHO grade III astrocytic tumor characterized by increased cellularity, nuclear atypia, and mitotic activity.
arteriovenous malformation
Abnormal vascular connection between arteries and veins bypassing normal capillary circulation.
astrocytoma
Primary brain tumor arising from astrocytes, classified by WHO grade and molecular features including IDH mutation statu...
awake craniotomy
Neurosurgical procedure performed while the patient remains conscious to monitor brain function.
biopsy-proven tumor
A brain tumor whose pathological diagnosis has been confirmed through tissue sampling. Used to distinguish from radiogra...
brain death protocol
Standardized clinical examination and testing procedures used to determine irreversible cessation of all brain function.
brain retraction
Gentle displacement of brain tissue using specialized instruments to create surgical exposure while minimizing injury.
brain shift
Movement and deformation of brain tissue during surgery due to CSF loss and tissue manipulation.
brain tumor recurrence
Return of tumor growth after initial treatment, requiring ongoing monitoring and potential re-intervention.
burr hole
A small circular hole drilled through the skull to access the brain or relieve pressure.
cerebellar mutism
A postoperative complication following posterior fossa surgery characterized by temporary loss of speech and communicati...
cerebellar tonsillar herniation
Downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, potentially compressing the brainstem.
cerebellar vermis
Midline structure of the cerebellum connecting the two hemispheres, critical for balance and coordination.
cerebrospinal fluid diversion
A neurosurgical procedure to redirect cerebrospinal fluid flow when normal pathways are obstructed or impaired.
cerebrospinal fluid leak
Abnormal escape of cerebrospinal fluid through a defect in the dura mater or skull base.
cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea
Abnormal drainage of cerebrospinal fluid from the ear, typically following skull base trauma or surgery.
cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea
Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose, often following skull base surgery or trauma.
Chiari malformation
Congenital condition where cerebellar tissue extends below the skull into the spinal canal.
cisternal drainage
Surgical technique for draining cerebrospinal fluid from basal cisterns to reduce intracranial pressure.
corpus callosotomy
Surgical procedure involving division of the corpus callosum to treat severe epilepsy.
cortical mapping
Intraoperative technique to identify functional brain areas to guide safe tumor resection and avoid neurological deficit...
cranioplasty
Surgical reconstruction of skull defects using autologous bone, synthetic materials, or allografts.
craniosynostosis
Premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures in infants, leading to abnormal skull shape and potential brain growth r...
craniotomy
Surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the skull to access the brain.