one of the three membranes covering the brain, appears to resemble a spider web. There are 3 layers of covering of the brain and spinal cord- the pia, arachnoid and dura.

inhaling fluids into the lungs. (Inability to swallow properly can allow fluid into the lungs.)

inability to coordinate movement. Stumbling when walking, or inability to maintain a fluid gait when asked to walk a straight line.

 wasting away of the muscle, often due to lack of use or inability to exercise a muscle.

the base of the skull and the first cervical vertebra dent inward, causing pressure on the brainstem or upper cervical spinal cord.

the lower part of the brain that lies in the posterior fossa and is responsible for coordination and fluidity of movement.

clear, water-like fluid that flows around the brain and spinal cord, and acts to cushion the structures. The total CSF volume in an adult is about 150ml (or about 1 pint).

pertaining to the neck

or CINE MRI flow-study is a special test that looks at the flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the posterior fossa and into the spinal canal.

symptom of seeing double, or double vision

inability to maintain proper balance. Often noted as stumbling or falling to one side.

an unpleasant sensation. A symptom of pins and needles or tingling when skin is touched.

inability to swallow properly. Often leads to aspiration.

a small instrument that uses heat and is used in many surgeries to stop bleeding.

abnormal protrusion (or overhang) of tissue. Some MRI reports will read herniation of the tonsils- this means the tonsils are hanging down too far.

(or reflex) an abnormal reflex that is tested by placing the fingers in a neutral position, and (painlessly) flicking the nail of the middle finger. If positive, the other fingers will abnormally flex in response.

Abnormal, over filling of the spinal fluid pockets (ventricles) in the brain. Can cause symptoms such as headache, balance problems, incontinence and memory problems.

a fluid cavity in the spinal cord. May also be referred to as syrinx, or syringomyelia.

a finding that is unexpected, or unrelated to symptoms. May refer to a person who has a finding on MRI, but has no symptoms.

inability to maintain fluid movement of the arm or leg. Inability to touch finger to nose properly.

inflammation of the meninges. May be due to bacterial or viral infection.

herniation or protrusion of the spinal cord through a defect in development of the neural tube- seen in infants. Often associated with Chiari type II.

abnormal bobbing of the eyes. Can be seen when looking to the side or up and down.

a muscle layer between the skull and scalp.

a muscle layer between the skull and scalp. (Called pericranium when on the skull).

A general term for the back area of the brain. This is where the brainstem, cerebellum and cerebellar tonsils lie.

to stop breathing intermittently when sleeping. Symptom can be described as waking up short of breath or gasping for air.

Spells of passing out, or fainting (loss of consciousness). Different from a seizure.

the condition of having an abnormal fluid cavity in the spinal cord

refers to the area from the shoulder blades, through the ribs, to about the beltline.

ringing in the ears.

fluid pocket in the brain (4 in all), that holds spinal fluid. Enlargement of the ventricles can be called hydrocephalus