Valsalva / Valsalva-like manoeuvre
Blowing out with lips and nostrils closed, causing the ears to pop – such as we might do as an aeroplane descends from a height.
Valsalva, Antonio
An Italian physician, living in the17th century, who first described the manoeuvre that now bears his name.
Venous stenting
Occasionally, special radiological investigations reveal that somebody has a narrowing of one of the main venous channels in the head, draining blood from the brain.
Ventricles
The brain is not an entirely solid organ. There are chambers within the brain, referred to as ventricles or, more correctly, cerebral ventricles, to distinguish
Ventriculoscope
An optical, surgical instrument that is passed through the brain substance, via a burr hole in the skull, and into the ventricles of the brain.
Vertebra/Vertebrae
This Latin word refers to any individual bone which is part of the bones that, together, form the spine. The equivalent Greek word is spondylos,
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.
