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Endovascular Coiling (Coiling, Coil Embolization, Detachable Coil Embolization, Endovascular Embolization, Intracranial Aneurysm Repair) Procedure Overview What is endovascular coiling? Endovascular coiling, also called coiling or endovascular embolization, is a procedure performed to block blood flow into an aneurysm (a weakened area in the wall of an artery). An aneurysm in the brain may be called a cerebral aneurysm, a brain aneurysm, or an intracranial aneurysm. Click Image to Enlarge Preventing blo...

Gamma Knife (Stereotactic radiosurgery, Gamma Knife surgery) Procedure Overview What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery? Gamma Knife radiosurgery, also called stereotactic radiosurgery, is a very precise form of therapeutic radiology. Even though it is called surgery, a Gamma Knife procedure does not involve actual surgery, nor is the Gamma Knife really a knife at all. It uses beams of highly-focused gamma rays to treat small- to medium-size lesions, usually in the brain. Many beams of gamma radiation join to ...

Tilt Table Procedure (Upright Tilt Testing) Procedure Overview What is a tilt table procedure? A tilt table procedure is a diagnostic procedure that may be used to evaluate a person who has symptoms of syncope (fainting). When a person has a complaint of syncope, the physician will carefully evaluate the person's past medical history and perform a physical examination. If basic components of the examination or history do not reveal a potential cause for the syncope, and the person has no history of hear...

Cerebral Arteriogram (Cerebral Angiography, Cerebral Angiogram) Procedure Overview What is a cerebral arteriogram? An arteriogram, also called an angiogram, is an x-ray image of the blood vessels. It is performed to evaluate various vascular conditions, such as an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel), stenosis (narrowing of a blood vessel), or blockages. A cerebral arteriogram is an arteriogram of the blood vessels of the brain. How is an arteriogram performed? An arteriogram involves inserting an ar...

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Brain (Head CT Scan, Intracranial CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the brain? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are m...

Electroencephalogram (EEG) (Electroencephalography, Brain Wave Test) Procedure Overview What is an EEG? An electroencephalogram (EEG) detects abnormalities in the brain waves or electrical activity of the brain. During the procedure, electrodes consisting of small metal discs with thin wires are pasted on the scalp. The electrodes detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of the brain cells. The charges are amplified and appear as a graph on a computer screen or as a recording that ma...

Electromyography (EMG) (Myogram) Procedure Overview What is EMG? Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. The test is used to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities. During the test, one or more small needles (also called electrodes) are inserted through the skin into the muscle. The electrical activity picked up by the electrodes is then displayed on an oscilloscope (a monitor that displays electrical activity in the for...

Electronystagmography (ENG) (Electrooculography) Procedure Overview What is electronystagmography? Electronystagmography (ENG) is used to evaluate people with vertigo (a false sense of spinning or motion that can cause dizziness) and certain other disorders that affect hearing and vision. Electrodes are placed at locations above and below the eye to record electrical activity. By measuring the changes in the electrical field within the eye, ENG can detect nystagmus (involuntary rapid eye movement) in re...

Evoked Potentials Studies (Evoked Brain Potentials, Evoked Responses, Visual Evoked Response [VER], Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response [BAER], Auditory Brainstorm Evoked Potentials [ABEP], Somatosensory Evoked Response [SER]) Procedure Overview What is an evoked potentials study? Evoked potentials studies measure electrical activity in the brain in response to stimulation of sight, sound, or touch. Stimuli delivered to the brain through each of these senses evoke minute electrical signals. These signals...

Laminectomy (Lumbar Laminectomy, Cervical Laminectomy, Decompressive Laminectomy, Back Surgery, Disk Surgery) Procedure Overview Click Image to Enlarge What is a laminectomy? Back pain that interferes with normal daily activities may require surgery for treatment. Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a physician removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, spinal stenosis (narrowing of t...

Lumbar Puncture (LP) (Spinal Tap, Spinal Puncture, CSF Collection) Procedure Overview What is a lumbar puncture? A lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure performed by a physician. The procedure is performed by inserting a hollow needle into the subarachnoid space in the lumbar area (lower back) of the spinal column. The subarachnoid space is the canal in the spinal column that carries cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the brain and the spinal cord....

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain (MRI Scan of the Spine, MRI Scan of the Brain) Procedure Overview What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. How does an MRI scan work? The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the pat...

Muscle Biopsy (Biopsy-Muscle) Procedure Overview A muscle biopsy is a procedure used to diagnose diseases involving muscle tissue. Tissue and cells from a specific muscle are removed and viewed microscopically. The procedure requires only a small piece of tissue to be removed from the designated muscle. The tissue sample is obtained by inserting a biopsy needle into the muscle. If a larger sample is required, your physician may make an incision in the skin (open biopsy) and remove a larger section of mu...

Myelogram (Myelography) Procedure Overview What is a myelogram? A myelogram, also known as myelography, is a diagnostic imaging procedure performed by a radiologist. It combines the use of a contrast substance with x-rays or computed tomography (CT) to evaluate abnormalities of the spinal canal, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other tissues. The contrast "dye" is injected into the spinal column before the procedure. This substance, or dye, causes the tissue under study to be visible. After t...

Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) (Electroneurography, EneG, Nerve Conduction Studies) Procedure Overview What is nerve conduction velocity? Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test is a measurement of the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve. NCV can determine nerve damage and destruction. During the test, the nerve is stimulated, usually with surface electrode patches attached to the skin. Two electrodes are placed on the skin over the nerve. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a...

Oculoplethysmography (OPG) (Carotid Patency Evaluation, Ocular Pressures) Procedure Overview What is oculoplethysmography? Click Image to Enlarge Oculoplethysmography (OPG) is used to detect the presence of a blockage in the carotid arteries. These arteries, located on each side of the neck, deliver oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain. If the carotid arteries are blocked or narrowed due to fatty deposits, the brain can become deprived of oxygen and stroke (damage to the brain tissue due to lack...

Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) (PET Imaging) Procedure Overview What is positron emission tomography (PET)? Positron emission tomography (PET) is a specialized radiology procedure used to examine various body tissues to identify certain conditions. PET may also be used to follow the progress of the treatment of certain conditions. While PET is most commonly used in the fields of neurology, oncology, and cardiology, applications in other fields are currently being studied. PET is a type of nucle...

X-rays of the Skull (Skull X-ray Studies) Procedure Overview What are x-rays of the skull? X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body tissues onto specially treated plates (s...

Brain Tumors in Children What is a brain tumor? Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children. Approximately 3,800 children and adolescents in the US are diagnosed with primary brain tumors each year. Primary brain tumors start in the brain and generally do not spread outside the brain tissue. Most central nervous system cancers are brain tumors. Brain tumors, either malignant or benign, are tumors that originate in the cells of the brain. A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue. A benign tu...

Neuroblastoma What is neuroblastoma? Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that begins in nerve tissue of infants and very young children. The abnormal cells are often found in the nerve tissue that is present in the unborn baby and later develops into a detectable tumor. Neuroblastoma is rare in children older than 10 years of age, however, it does occur occasionally in adults. The tumor usually begins in the tissues of the adrenal gland found in the abdomen, but may also begin in nerve tissue in the neck...

Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Children What is an acute spinal cord injury? Click Image to Enlarge The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to a traumatic injury that either results in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (called a transection) in the spinal cord. SCI is a common cause of permanent disability and death in children. About 12,000 people a year sustain a spin...

Anatomy of a Child's Brain What is the central nervous system (CNS)? The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is an important organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, respirations, temperature, hunger, and every process that regulates our body. Click Image to Enlarge What are the different parts of the brain? The brain can be divided into the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum: cerebrum The cerebrum (supratentorial or front of b...

Anencephaly What is anencephaly? Anencephaly is a condition present at birth that affects the formation of the brain and the skull bones that surround the head. Anencephaly results in only minimal development of the brain. Often, the brain lacks part or all of the cerebrum (the area of the brain that is responsible for thinking, vision, hearing, touch, and movement). There is no bony covering over the back of the head and there may also be missing bones around the front and sides of the head. What cause...

Brain Abscess What is a brain abscess? A brain abscess is an infection in the brain that is encapsulated (confined within its own area) and localized to one or more areas inside of the brain. This condition may cause problems with the brain and spinal cord function. Brain abscesses are rare, but are more common in young school-aged children than other ages. What causes a brain abscess? The more common causes of a brain abscess include viruses and bacteria. There are three ways a virus or bacteria can en...

Cerebral Palsy What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term that describes a group of neurological (brain) disorders. It is a life-long condition that affects the communication between the brain and the muscles, causing a permanent state of uncoordinated movement and posturing. CP may result from several problems, such as lack of oxygen to the brain, genetic conditions, infections, brain hemorrhage, severe cases of jaundice, and injury to the head. What causes cerebral palsy? Many cases o...

Chiari Malformation What is a Chiari malformation? A Chiari malformation is a congenital (present at birth) defect in the area of the back of the head where the brain and spinal cord connect. The condition is also called Arnold Chiari malformation. There are four types of Chiari malformations, including the following: type I - commonly goes unnoticed until problems arise in the adolescent or adult years of life. In this condition, the base of the skull and the upper spinal area are not formed properly. ...

Congenital and Hereditary Neurological Disorders There are many congenital (present at birth) and hereditary neurological disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Anencephaly Cerebral Palsy Chiari Malformation Craniosynostosis Hydrocephalus Microcephaly Spina Bifida

Craniosynostosis What is craniosynostosis? The normal skull consists of several plates of bone that are separated by sutures. The sutures (fibrous joints) are found between the bony plates in the head. As the infant grows and develops, the sutures close, forming a solid piece of bone, called the skull. Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the sutures close too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth. Premature closure of the sutures may also cause the pressure inside of the head t...

Diagnostic Tests for Neurological Disorders in Children There are many different diagnostic tests that may help to evaluate the functioning of the nervous system. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Diagnostic Tests Overview Electroencephalogram (EEG) Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture Neurological Examination

Diagnostic Tests Overview What are some diagnostic tests for nervous system disorders? Evaluating and diagnosing damage to the nervous system can be very complicated. Many of the same symptoms occur in different combinations among the different disorders. To further complicate the diagnostic process, many disorders do not have definitive causes, markers, or tests. Neurological tests to evaluate children may include: computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedur...

Electroencephalogram (EEG) for Children What is an electroencephalogram? An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures the electrical activity in the brain, called brain waves. An EEG measures brain waves through small button electrodes that are placed on your child's scalp. What steps should be taken to prepare my child for the EEG? Consider the following when preparing your child for an EEG: Wash your child's hair the night before. Do not put any oil, gel, or hairspray on his/her hair. If your...

Encephalitis in Children What is encephalitis? Click Image to Enlarge Encephalitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the brain. This condition causes problems with the brain and spinal cord function. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which leads to changes in the child's neurological condition, including mental confusion and seizures. What causes encephalitis? The cause of encephalitis varies depending on the season, the area of the country, and the exposure of the child. Viruses are ...

Glossary - Neurological Disorders | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] acute spinal cord injury (SCI) - due to a traumatic injury that either results in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear in the spinal cord. SCI is a common cause of permanent disability and death in children. anencephaly - a condition that is present at birth and affec...

Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Children What is Guillain-Barré syndrome? Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a temporary disorder that affects the nerves in the body. GBS can result in muscle weakness, pain, and even temporary paralysis of the facial, chest, and leg muscles. Paralysis of the chest muscles can lead to breathing problems. What causes Guillain-Barré syndrome? The exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown. Theories suggest that GBS is an autoimmune disorder (where the body's immune system ...

Head Injury in Children What is a head injury? Head injuries are one of the most common causes of disability and death in children. The injury can be as mild as a bump, bruise (contusion), or cut on the head, or can be moderate to severe in nature due to a concussion, deep cut or open wound, fractured skull bone(s), or from internal bleeding and damage to the brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that traumatic brain injury results in almost half a million (473,947) emerg...

Headaches in Children What is a headache? A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face area. Headaches can be single or recurrent in nature, and localized to one or more areas of the head and face. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, almost two out of three teens will complain of a headache each month. What causes a headache? The exact cause of headaches is not completely understood. It is thought that many headaches are the result of tight muscles and dilated, or expanded, blood ve...

Topic Index Overview of the Nervous System Anatomy of the Brain Diagnostic Tests Brain Tumors Congenital and Hereditary Disorders Neurological Disorders in the Newborn Headaches Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders Neuromuscular Disorders Seizures and Epilepsy Neurocutaneous Syndromes Trauma Glossary The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the body's basic functions and activities. It is made up of two major divisions, including the central nervous system (c...

Inflammatory and Infectious Neurological Disorders There are many inflammatory and infectious neurological disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Brain Abscess Encephalitis Guillain-Barré Syndrome Meningitis Reye Syndrome

Intraventricular Hemorrhage What is intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)? Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding inside or around the ventricles, the spaces in the brain containing the cerebral spinal fluid. "intraventricular" means within the ventricles "hemorrhage" means excessive bleeding Intraventricular hemorrhage is most common in premature babies, especially very low birthweight babies weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces). Click Image to Enlarge What causes intraventricular hem...

Meningitis in Children What is meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. What causes meningitis? Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection that invades the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is the fluid within the open spaces of the brain that protect and cushion the brain and spinal cord. A fungus or parasite may also cause meningitis. The severity of a child's symptoms and prognosis depend on the ...

Microcephaly What is microcephaly? Microcephaly is a condition that is present at birth in which the baby's head is much smaller than normal for an infant of that age and gender. "Micro" means small and "cephaly" refers to the head. Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and mental retardation. However, some children with small heads have normal intelligence. What causes microcephaly? Microcephaly is either caused by exposure to harmful substances during the fetal development, or it may...

Myasthenia Gravis in Children What is myasthenia gravis? Click Image to Enlarge Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a complex, autoimmune disorder in which antibodies destroy neuromuscular connections. This causes problems with the nerves that communicate with muscles, resulting in weakness of the skeletal muscles. MG affects the voluntary muscles of the body, especially the eyes, mouth, throat, and limbs. What causes myasthenia gravis? Myasthenia gravis is not inherited as a rare genetic disease or contagious, b...

Neurocutaneous Syndromes in Children What are neurocutaneous syndromes? Click Image to Enlarge Neurocutaneous syndrome is a broad term for a group of rare neurological (brain, spine, and peripheral nerve) disorders. These diseases are life-long conditions that can cause tumors to grow inside the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin, and skeletal bones. The most common disorders found in children are skin lesions. The three most common types of neurocutaneous syndromes include the following: tuberous scleros...

Neurological Disorders in the Newborn There are several neurological disorders affecting newborns that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Intraventricular Hemorrhage Periventricular Leukomalacia

Neurological Examination for Children What is a neurological examination? A neurological examination, also called a neuro exam, is an evaluation of your child's nervous system that can be performed in the physician's office. It may be performed with instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers, and usually does not cause any pain to the child. The nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves from these areas. There are many aspects of this examination, including an assessment ...

Neuromuscular Disorders There are many neuromuscular disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Muscular Dystrophy Myasthenia Gravis Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Online Resources - Neurological Disorders This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child's condition. This page cont...

Overview of Nervous System Disorders in Children What is the nervous system? The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It is made up of two major divisions: central nervous system - consisting of the brain and spinal cord. peripheral nervous system - consisting of all other neural elements. In addition to the brain and spinal cord, principal organs of the nervous system include the following: eyes ears sensory organs of taste sensory organs of ...

Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) What is periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)? Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is characterized by the death or damage and softening of the white matter, the inner part of the brain that transmits information between the nerve cells and the spinal cord, as well as from one part of the brain to another. "periventricular" means around or near the ventricles, the spaces in the brain containing the cerebrospinal fluid "leuko" means white "malacia" means softening Why is pe...

Reye Syndrome What is Reye syndrome? Reye syndrome is a rare condition that affects the normal chemical balance in the body, resulting in "potential" damage to all organs, but primarily affecting the brain and liver. This condition is basically considered a children's disease, although it can occur at any age. As the inflammation in the brain increases, the pressure inside of the head may also increase. The increased pressure in the head causes neurological changes in the child. It has a very rapid onse...

Seizures and Epilepsy What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain that makes people more susceptible to having seizures. It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and affects people of all ages, races and ethnic background. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 2 million Americans live with epilepsy and nearly 140,000 people in the US develop this condition annually. When a person has two or more recurrent seizures, he...

Spinal Muscular Atrophy What is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)? Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease that affects the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. What causes spinal muscular atrophy? SMA is an autosomal recessive disease. This means that both males and females are equally affected, and that two copies of the gene, one inherited from each parent, are necessary to have the condition. A gene called survival motor neuron (or SMN) is found to have an abnormal area...

Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture What is a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)? A spinal tap, also called lumbar puncture, is done to measure the amount of pressure in the spinal canal and/or to remove a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) for testing. Cerebral spinal fluid is the fluid that bathes your child's brain and spinal cord. In some cases, a spinal tap may also be done so medication can be injected into the spinal fluid, or to remove excess CSF in babies with hydrocephalus (a condition in which t...

Topic Index - Neurological Disorders Neurological Disorders Home Overview of the Nervous System Anatomy of the Brain Diagnostic Tests for Neurological Disorders Diagnostic Tests Overview Electroencephalogram (EEG) Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture Neurological Examination Brain Tumors Congenital and Hereditary Disorders Anencephaly Cerebral Palsy Chiari Malformation Craniosynostosis Hydrocephalus Microcephaly Spina Bifida Neurological Disorders in the Newborn Intraventricular Hemorrhage Periventricular Leuk...

Trauma Trauma to the nervous system requires immediate clinical care. Listed in the directory below are some different types of trauma, for which we have provided a brief overview. Head Injury Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Hydrocephalus What is hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is a lack of absorption, blockage of flow, or overproduction of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) that is found inside the ventricles (fluid-filled areas) of the brain. This may result in a build up of fluid that can cause the pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull bones to expand to a larger-than-normal appearance. What causes hydrocephalus? Click Image to Enlarge Hydrocephalus occurs in approximately one out ...

Spina Bifida What is spina bifida? Spina bifida, also called myelodysplasia, is a condition in which there is abnormal development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves, and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. This neurological condition can cause a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body. The defect can occur anywhere along the spine. What are the types of spina bifida? The types of spina bifida include the ...

Disorders of the Brain and Nervous System Occasionally, neurological or brain disorders may occur in newborn babies. Premature babies (born before 37 weeks gestation) are especially at risk. Neurological complications may result from birth trauma, a difficult delivery, or when the baby takes in too little oxygen during the birth process. The most common types of neurological problems in newborn babies include the following: intraventricular hemorrhage - bleeding inside or around the ventricles, the spac...

Ataxia What is ataxia? The word "ataxia" comes from the Greek word "a taxis," which means "without order or without coordination." Thus, ataxia means without coordination. Persons who are diagnosed with ataxia experience a failure of muscle control in their arms and legs which may result in a lack of balance, coordination, and possibly a disturbance in gait. Ataxia may affect the fingers, hands, arms, legs, body, speech, and even eye movements. The word ataxia is often used to describe the incoordinatio...

Cluster Headaches What is a cluster headache? Relative to other types of primary headache, cluster headaches are rare. The pain they produce is severe and tends to recur in the same way each time for individuals who experience cluster headaches. Cluster headaches occur in groups, or clusters, and individual attacks last about one to three hours on average. The frequency of occurrence may range from every other day to multiple times a day. Cluster periods are followed by remissions that may last months o...