WHAT DOES IT MEAN ? NEUROLOGICAL VOCABULARY

Updated 8/26

Dear nurses,

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New information and links have been added below.

Basal skull fracture - What is it?

A basal skull fracture is usually diagnosed by CAT scan. 
It is very difficult to see on X-Ray. The image below,
shows what the patient with a basal skull may look like.

Basal skull fracture

It is important to be able to identify the signs of a basal
skull fracture.The crack in the base of the skull may cause
CSF ( cerebrospinal fluid) to leak from the nose or ear. 
A halo ring may appear on the pillow. Cranial nerves
may also be damaged.

 For more helpful information, please click on the links:

Sessions 65 - Stroke or no Stroke
Stroke Assessment

Here are some examples of neurological vocabulary:

Q -What is the normal distance for testing visual acuity?

A- 14-20 feet away.

Q - What does stereognosis mean?

A- The ability to identify objects by touching.

Q - What part of the brain is responsible for balance
and coordination?

A- The cerebellum, which lies below the cerebrum.

Q- What does word salad mean?
A- A collection of words that have no real meaning.

Q- What is anisocoria?

A- Unequal pupils which occur in about 20% of the 
population

Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs are seen in patients
who have Meningitis or Subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Brudzinski's sign -When the examiner flexes the patient's
neck, the knees and hips flex at the same time.

Kernig's sign - inability to straighten the leg when the 

hip is flexed at a 90 degree angle. The hamstring muscles

become very stiff.

 Medical abbreviations - Part 2

Learn more about : Stroke and ICP Monitoring

Here are some diagnostic tests that are done frequently.

Follow the links below:

1. Chest X ray
2. CAT scan
3. EKG
4. MRI scan
5. Ultrasound
6. Echocardiogram