Anoxia
A lack of oxygen which can cause damage to the brain. This can result when blood flow is reduced.
Antibiotic
Medicine used to treat infections in the blood, urine, lungs and other areas of the body.
Anticoagulation
Preventing or delaying the clotting of the blood.
Aphasia
An abnormal neurologic condition in which language function is defective or absent relating to an injury to
the cerebral cortex of the brain. The deficiency may be receptive, in which language is not understood. It may
be expressive, in which words cannot be formed or expressed. It is sometimes transient, as when the swelling
in the brain subsides. Intensive speech therapy by the patient and the patient's family has many times
been successful in restoring language function.
Arterial blood gas (ABGs or gases)
A blood test that determines how well a patient is breathing and how well the lungs are working by measuring
the oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH of the blood.
Arterial line (art line)
A very small tube (catheter) put into an artery so that blood pressure can be measured at all times. Blood can
be removed from this catheter for lab testing.
Arteriogram (angiogram)
An X-ray of an artery injected with radiopaque contrast (dye) through a catheter.
Basilar skull fracture
Fracture or break at the base of the skull.
Brain death
Death caused by complete and irreversible loss of function of the entire brain, including the brain stem.
The heart may continue as long as the breathing machine (ventilator) is in place, but without the
breathing machine, the brain no longer signals the body to breath and the heart soon stops from lack of oxygen.
Cast
A stiff, solid dressing formed with plaster of Paris or fiberglass around a limb or other body part to keep
it from moving during healing.
Catheter
A hollow, flexible tube that can be inserted into a vessel or cavity of the body to withdraw or instill
fluids.
Cervical collar (C-collar)
Firm brace worn to support the neck. The main reason your doctor wants you to wear this collar is to limit
the movement of the bones in your neck, either to prevent injury or to allow an injury to heal.
Chest tube
A catheter inserted through the chest wall into the chest cavity for removing air or fluid. It is used
following chest surgery or lung collapse.
Colostomy
A surgical creation of an opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall by cutting the colon and bringing it out to
the surface.
Coma
A state of profound unconsciousness in which a person cannot open eyes, obey commands or speak words that can
be understood.
Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan
A radiology technique in which a scanner is used to take a series of detailed visualizations of tissues,
body organs and bones. The procedure is painless, non-invasive and requires no special preparation.
Concussion
A mild brain injury often caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent motion that causes the brain to
bump up against the skull. Also called a traumatic brain injury or closed head injury.
Contusion
A bruise.
Cultures
Lab tests to check blood or other body fluids for bacteria and to determine which antibiotics are best
for fighting the infection.
Drain
A small catheter to remove extra blood/fluid from inside the body.
Edema
Swelling that happens when too much fluid collects in the body's tissues or organs.
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
An evaluation of electrical activity of the brain.
EKG (Electrocardiogram)
Recordings of the electrical activity of the heart used to diagnose specific cardiac abnormalities.
Endotracheal tube (ET tube)
A plastic tube that is passed through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea). The tube can be used
to deliver extra oxygen to the lungs, help make breathing easier and help remove fluid from the lungs. The
patient cannot talk while this tube is in place.
Extubate
Removing the endotracheal tube from the windpipe (trachea).
Feeding tube
Small plastic tube that goes into the nose to the stomach or intestine to give liquid food to a patient who
cannot eat or drink.
Foley catheter
Soft rubber catheter that has been placed in the bladder for continuous drainage of urine from the bladder.
Hypertension
High blood pressure.
Hypotension
Low blood pressure.
Intercranial pressure line (ICP)
A small tube that is placed in specific areas of the brain to measure the pressure inside the skull.
Intravenous puncture
A very small tube put into a vein to deliver fluids and medicines to the bloodstream.
Intubate
Passing a tube through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea) to make sure the patient gets enough oxygen.
Lumbar Puncture (LP)
Spinal tap. Placing a hollow needle into a space in the lumbar portion (lower portion) of the spinal canal.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
primarily used in medical imaging to visualize the structure and function of the body. It provides detailed
images of the body in any plane. MR has much greater soft tissue contrast than Computed tomography (CT) making
it especially useful in neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and oncolological diseases. Unlike CT
it uses no ionizing radiation.
Nasogastic tube / gastric tube
A tube that goes through the nose or mouth down into the stomach to remove air or fluids. Liquid medicines
and liquid food formulas can also be given through the tube.
Neurological
Having to do with the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Paralysis
The inability to move a group of muscles.
Pneumo Boots
Large plastic stockings that inflate and deflate in a cycle. These boots help to prevent blood clots from
forming in the deep veins of the legs.
Pneumonia
A lung infection often caused by bacteria (germs). It causes a patient to have severe chills, a high
fever, headache, cough with phlegm and chest pain.
Post-concussive syndrome
Group of symptoms that occur after a blow to the head. Symptoms can be vague and last for days or months.
These may include headache, dizziness, change in emotion, memory, thinking and personality.
Pulmonary
Having to do with the lungs and breathing.
Reflex
The way the body reacts to light, noise or touch, which a person cannot control.
Rehabilitation
Process of restoring a person to the best possible level of functioning after a disabling event.
Respirator
A machine that helps the patient breathe (also called a ventilator or breathing machine).
Seizure
Jerky movements that a person cannot control.
Septic / sepsis
Infection due to germs in patient's blood.
Spasm / spasticity
State of continuous muscle contraction that a person cannot control.
Splint
Metal or plaster brace to position a body part.
TEDS
Elastic stockings applied to the legs to help prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs.
Tracheotomy tube (trach)
A tube that goes through a hole made in the front of the neck, into the windpipe (trachea). This tube is used
for the same reason as the endotracheal tube (ET tube). The patient cannot talk with this tube in place.
Traction
Heavy weights that help pull the ends of broken bones together in a straight normal position. Traction is
used until the broken bone is repaired with a cast or an operation.
Ventilator
A machine that helps the patient breathe (also called a breathing machine or respirator).
Vital Signs
Measurement of blood pressure, heart rate (pulse), breathing and temperature.
