Idiopathic
Literally translated this means a disease that has caused itself, i.e. there is no underlying cause that can be identified. Many experts argue that there
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Some people, particularly young, ladies, can develop abnormally high pressure inside their head with no underlying cause being found, in particular no evidence of a
Infusion study
An investigation which involves injecting saline, slowly, into the cerebrospinal fluid pathways, either via a lumbar puncture needle or into a reservoir connected to one
Intracranial pressure
This is the effective pressure within the tissues inside the skull, principally the brain. In any organ of the body blood flows in through arteries,
Intracranial pressure monitoring
Insertion of a pressure-measuring device, into the brain substance or a ventricle of the brain, allows the intracranial pressure to be measured in a continuous
Investigations
After a doctor has taken a history from a patient and carried a physical examination of appropriate body parts, he or she will then very
IVth ventricle
The lowest positioned of the four cerebral ventricles. It lies in the posterior fossa but may become partly displaced into the top of the spinal
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.
