Glossary

Diffusion weighted imaging – A type of MRI that is thought to image water molecules diffusing across an area of tissue being imaged. It is thought to be sensitive to early pathological changes in tissue. This type of scan is most useful in tissue the grey matter of the central nervous system

An inability to perform rapid, alternating muscle movements (diadochokinesis).

Dyskinetic = abnormal movement.  Cerebral palsy characterized by abnormal movements that can be slow, writhing or fast and jerky.  Types of dyskinetic CP are athetoid CP, chorea CP, and dystonic CP.

A movement disorder consisting of involuntary muscle contractions that result in slow, repetitive movements and/or postures.

External Carotid Artery

Electrocardiogram, aka EKG. A recording of the electrical of the heart.

Electrocorticography – the recording of electroencephalography activity during a surgery. This is typically done in the setting of a need for identification of abnormal brain activity such as seen with seizures.

A revascularization technique used to treat cerebral ischemia due to Moyamoya Disease. The technique consists of dissecting a segment of the temporalis muscle with the the superficial temporal artery attached  without disturbing its vascular flow. The muscle is then laid down onto the exposed cortical surface after performing a craniotomy and dural opening. It can be held in contact by sewing the muscle to the cut edges of dura prior to closing the surgical wound.

Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis – A revascularization technique used to treat cerebral ischemia due to Moyamoya Disease. The technique consists of dissecting superficial temporal artery free from surround scalp with a cuff of galea for a length of several centimeters without disturbing its vascular flow. The artery is then laid down onto the exposed cortical surface after performing a craniotomy and dural opening. It is held in contact by sewing the galeal cuff to the cut edges of dura prior to closing the surgical wound.

Electroencephalograph – The recording of the electrical activity emitted by the brain’s neurons.