Neuro vocab

lack of reflex action

Lack of coordination

Partial dislocation caused by instability of the first cervical vertebra. causes compression of spinal cord. presents as pain and/or paralysis. can be caused by trauma, but most commonly congenital in small dog breeds

• relating to the sciatic nerve. Inflammation. used to describe gait
• -sciatic nerve is lower back, shoots down leg

first cervical vertebra, between occipital bone and axis. part of the joint between skull and spine

lacking normal muscle tone/strength

wasting of a body part (can be muscular, skeletal, etc)

autonomic nervous system is involuntary functions like breathing, heartbeat, sweating

transverse

degeneration of myelin sheath

A specialized system of capillary endothelial cells and astrocytes that strictly limits transport into the brain through both physical (tight junctions) and metabolic (enzymes) barriers. Certain microscopic objects (bacteria, toxins) are restricted while others essential for brain function (oxygen, glucose) are allowed to pass

lyme disease

A type of food poisoning caused by a pre-formed neurotoxin (botulin) produced by the growth of the microorganism Clostridium botulinum generally found in improperly canned or preserved foods.

relating to the arm

A collection of nerves in the axilla region (arm pit) which originate from the spinal cord and give rise to the individual nerves that supply the forelimbs

tearing away of the nerve roots from the spinal cord between the C6 and T2 vertebrae

Slower than normal heart rate

The base of the brain connecting the cerebral hemispheres with the spinal cord. Includes medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, thalamus

A test using electrodiagnostic equipment to screen for deafness. evaluates brainstem function

Poisoning caused by the overuse of bromine or a bromine compound (e.g. potassium bromide) marked by such neurological signs as mental dullness, drowsiness, unsteady gait, and skin lesions

an intervertebral disk whose soft, gelatinous center (nucleus pulposus) has hardened and mineralized due to degeneration. Intervertebral disk disease

Sudden onset of muscular weakness, often triggered by an emotional stimulus and resulting in falls to the floor; associated with narcolepsy

An opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye

lumbosacral stenosis

Cavity in the back part of the skull containing the brainstem and cerebellum

Condition where part of the the cerebellum descends through an opening at the base of the skull, putting pressure on both the cerebellum and spinal cord. Normal CSF flow is disrupted and extreme pressure gradients result in fluid accumulations within the spinal cord.

The cerebrospinal fluid-filled space that runs longitudinally through the entire length of the spinal cord. connected to ventricular system of brain

spinal cord injury syndrome associated with damage to the central portion of the spinal cord. It is characterized by bilateral weakness of distal and proximal muscles in the legs, bladder dysfunction, and a variable degree of sensory loss below the level of injury

relating to the head

disease resulting in premature degeneration of cells of the cerebellum, and leading to balance and coordination problems; likely caused by a metabolic defect

a congenital disorder where the cerebellum does not form or mature normally before birth, causing signs related to poor balance and incoordination

inflammation of cerebellum

opening in subarachinoid space of the brain created by a separation of the arachnoid and pia mater this large space is filled with CSF and located between the cerebellum and medulla. This is where the needle is inserted for CSF tap.

between brainstem and cerebrum concerned in the coordination of movement. coordinates the many muscles active in any given movement and projects to postural and voluntary motor control systems. It is divided into two hemispheres and has a cortex and is part of the metencephalon

The outer, highly convoluted layer of cerebrum which governs thought, memory, sensation, and voluntary movement

The fluid flowing within the ventricular system that surrounds, cushions, and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.  It is formed continuously by the choroid plexus in the ventricles, and is reabsorbed into the blood by the arachnoid villi at approximately the same rate at which it is produced. Examination of CSF for the presence of abnormal or excessive numbers of cells and protein content is an important source of information about the nervous system

Condition of the neck characterized by progressive compression of the spinal cord due to vertebral malformation, instability and/or hypertrophy which typically results in an uncoordinated rear gait

a tumor located in the ventricular system of the choroid plexus which can restrict CSF flow and increase intercranial pressure. the choroid plexus is what secretes CSF

Compulsively walking in a circle; can be a sign of forebrain or vestibular disease

A cavity or sac serving as a reservoir for fluid such as lymph or  CSF

generalized seizure characterized by jerking movements on both sides of the body.

A series of involuntary muscular contractions due to sudden stretching of the muscle.

Structure in the that converts sound pressure impulses into electrical impulses which are passed on to the brain via the auditory part of the vestibulocochlear nerve

a partial seizure that primarily manifests as inappropriate, uncontrolled behavior.  Some examples are fly biting, screaming, tail chasing and abnormal aggression (rage).   These seizures possibly involve the limbic system and may also be called psychomotor seizures.

Repeated muscle contraction and relaxation resulting in the body shaking rapidly and uncontrollaby.

Referring to the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer of the cerebrum

Nerves which are attached to the brain and pass through the openings of the skull (except for cranial nerve 8, the vestibulocochlear nerve, which doesn't pass through the skull). 12 pairs of cranial nerves, symmetrically arranged so that they are distributed mainly to the structures of the head and neck

Surgical removal of a section of bone from the skull for the purpose of operating on the underlying tissues or relieving intracranial pressure, in which the bone is not replaced at the end of the procedure

Surgical removal of a section of bone from the skull for the purpose of operating on the underlying tissues, in which the bone is replaced at the end of the procedure.

disease caused by a yeast-like fungus,  which could involve the skin, lungs and other parts but especially the brain and meninges

A condition characterized by abnormally increased activity of the cortex of the adrenal gland, resulting in overproduction of steroid hormones; also called hyperadrenocorticism

Characterized by bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes due to significantly reduced amount of hemoglobin in the blood

result of pain originating in the cervical area, thoracolumbar spine, or abdomen. Keep their neck muscles rigid with their heads held in the same horizontal plane as their spine, or lower to the ground. arched lower back posture