Posterior fossa
That part of the cranial cavity that lies below the tentorium and which contains the brain stem and the cerebellum.
Pregabalin
A drug belonging to the class of agents used to treat epilepsy but which is more commonly used to help control neuropathic pain.
Pressure-dissociation headache
A specific type of headache that develops because the normal free communication of cerebrospinal fluid, across the craniovertebral junction, is partially obstructed. Normally, during coughing,
Proprioception
Otherwise referred to as joint position sense. Most of the time we are unaware of having this sensation but it is the real “sixth sense”
Pseudomeningocœle
A meningocœle is a congenital abnormality (i.e. presenting at birth), consisting of an abnormal sac protruding from some point along the spine of the new-born
Radiograph
The correct name for what is commonly referred to as an X-ray. In fact, X-rays are the energy beams that pass through the body and
Sacral
The lower-most part of the spine, consisting of a mass of five fused vertebrae, which can be felt between the buttocks.
Scoliosis
A curvature of the spinal column, which commonly develops during adolescence. Many cases are idiopathic but some may be caused by, or at least are
Shunt
A shunt shifts one object, or volume of fluid (or gas or electrical current), from one place to another. In the context of neurosurgical practice
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.
