Craniovertebral decompression
A surgical operation which aims to expand the internal dimensions of the craniovertebral junction and, thereby, relieve compression of the neural elements within, and/or to
Craniovertebral junction
That part of the body where the base of the skull is joined to the top of the spine. Inside these bony enclosures, the craniovertebral
CSF
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock.
CSF shunt
A piece of equipment which is implanted into the body, in order to divert cerebrospinal fluid from the head, or the spine, into another body
Dermatome
This word, translated from the Greek, means a cut (tome*) through the skin (derma). Used literally, it is the name given to a special knife, used
Dermoid
This is a tumour which is made up of skin tissue that has become displaced, during embryonic development, and that has come to lie inside
Diastematomyelia
A nightmare word for medical secretaries to type, from dictation. It refers to a bony spur, or a fibrous band, that passes through the spinal
Dorsal columns
Tracts of nerve fibres that pass up the back of the spinal cord. They carry those signals from the body that convey information about light
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.
