Glossary

hexamethyl propylene amine oxime

Head of bed – Typically used when describing how many degrees the head can be raised above the body when laying in bed.

Small, round inclusions within red blood cells that are remnants of DNA.  The spleen usually filters such cells out of circulation but when the spleen is absent or dysfunctional (as with Sickle Cell Disease) such inclusions can be seen when examining red blood cells under the microscope.

A life threatening condition seen in newborns where there is fluid accumulation in two or more body compartments leading to swelling with potential organ failure.

Exposure of the body to elevated levels of oxygen.  If prolonged and severe this can be toxic to the brain, lungs, and other organs.  Conseuqntly, it is prolonged hyperoxia is generally avoided.

The state of overactive or exaggerated body reflexes.  Hyperactive reflexes.

Internal carotid artery

Indocyanine green.  A dye injected into the veins which can be seen to fluoresce.  The dye has a half-life of 3-4 minutes and is rapidly cleared by the liver.  It is used to visualize blood circulation within the brain.

Intracranial Hemorrhage.  Bleeding within the skull (in spaces surrounding the brain and within the brain itself).

Intracranial pressure. This refers to the pressure within the skull that is due to its fluids and tissue contents.  This pressure can be thought of as a head-wall against which the blood must flow to perfuse the brain and other contents within the skull.