Neuroscience Glossary

Relating to or affecting the opposite side of the body relative to a reference point, typically the side of brain injury...

The large band of neural fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

A surgical procedure involving the temporary removal of part of the skull to access the brain.

Abnormal rigid posture with arms extended and rotated inward, indicating severe brainstem damage.

Abnormal posture with arms flexed and legs extended, indicating damage above the brainstem.

The brain region between the cerebrum and brainstem, containing the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and subthalamus...

Double vision resulting from misalignment of the eyes or neurological dysfunction.

Diffusion tensor imaging, an advanced MRI technique that maps white matter fiber tracts in the brain.

A motor speech disorder resulting from weakness or incoordination of speech muscles due to neurological damage.

Impaired ability to perform rapid alternating movements, typically indicating cerebellar dysfunction.

Abnormal involuntary movements resulting from neurological dysfunction or medication side effects.

Impaired ability to judge distance and range of movement, typically indicating cerebellar dysfunction.

Partial language impairment affecting speech production or comprehension due to brain damage.

A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal movements and postures.

Electrocorticography, direct recording of electrical activity from the brain surface using electrode grids or strips.

A diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Inflammation of brain tissue, typically caused by viral infection or autoimmune processes.

Softening of brain tissue, typically resulting from ischemia, infection, or other pathological processes.

Inability to recognize familiar environments despite intact vision and basic object recognition.

A type of brain or spinal cord tumor arising from ependymal cells that line the ventricular system.

The process by which normal brain tissue becomes epileptic and capable of generating spontaneous seizures.

Involuntary muscle twitches caused by spontaneous discharge of motor units.

Inability to perform normal walking movements despite intact motor and sensory function.

A standardized scoring system used to assess level of consciousness in patients with brain injury.