2aura
a sensation that precedes an event, including flashing light, dim vision, or photophobia
3carotid endarterectomy
removal of plaque in the carotid arteries to improve blood flow
4cauterization
electrical burning of tissue
6chorea
a constant, jerky, uncontrollable movement
7convulsion
an abnormal muscle contraction
8decompress
release of pressure in the spinal cord
9dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
10dysphasia
difficulty speaking
11epidural
blood collecting between the skull and the dura mater
12grand mal
seizures associated with epilepsy; they are characterized by convulsions, loss of consciousness, urinary and fecal incontinence
13hemiparesis
paralysis in half of the body
14hydrophobia
fear of water
15hypothermia
low or below normal body temperature
16intractable
difficult to stop or control
17nuchal rigidity
difficulty bending the neck forward or sideways
18paraplegia
a loss of feeling and movement in the trunk and both legs
19paresthesia
abnormal sensation, burning, tingling
20petit mal
these seizures are also called absence seizures and commonly occur in children; consist of a brief change in the level of consciousness without convulsions
21quadriplegia
the loss of movement and feeling in the trunk and all four extremities with the accompanying loss of bowl, bladder, and sexual function
22seizure
a sudden attack but is commonly used to indicate a convulsive seizure
23spinal stenosis
narrowing of nerve root openings in the spinal column
24status epilepticus
a life-threatening event; a state of continued convulsive seizure with no recovery of consciousness
25subdural
blood collecting between the outer (dura mater) layer and the middle (arachnoid) layer of the meninges