Acetazolamide
A drug used, amongst other indications, to reduce the formation of cerebrospinal fluid. In a minority of people it can relieve headaches associated with Chiari
Amitriptyline
A drug originally developed to treat depression but which can also be used, in smaller doses, to treat neuropathic pain.
Arachnoid
A thin, transparent membrane, lying immediately over the brain and spinal cord, and in turn being surrounded by dura. The arachnoid forms thin membranes and
Arachnoid cysts
Thin-walled cysts, formed between the brain or spinal cord and their surrounding dura. The cysts are filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Arachnoid granulations
Out-pouching of arachnoid material (or tissue) into the superior sagittal sinus. They form a principal route via which cerebrospinal fluid is absorbed back into the
Arachnoid webs
Thin sheets of arachnoid tissue, which form between the spinal cord and its enclosing theca, obstructing the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Arachnoiditis
The suffix “itis” means inflamed (as in appendicitis). Arachnoiditis therefore means inflammation of the arachnoid tissue surrounding the brain or the spinal cord. Such inflammation
Arnold-Chiari malformation
An alternative term for Chiari malformation, which acknowledges a contribution made by Julius Arnold, as well as Hans Chiari, to the identification of the condition.
Arnold, Julius
A Swiss-born anatomist and pathologist who, in 1894, described cases of abnormalities at the craniovertebral junction, similar to those described by Hans Chiari.
Glossary
The Charity appreciates that hospital specialists will almost inevitably use some medical jargon at times, even when they are trying to explain medical matters in lay terminology. The table below lists many of the medical terms that are likely to be used, from time-to-time, by doctors, when they are talking to patients, or in composing medical correspondence. It is hoped that our explanation of the meaning of these terms throws at least some light on matters.
