User-Friendly Glossary: Essential Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery Terms

Enhance your understanding of key neurosurgical and spine surgery concepts with this concise, user-friendly glossary by Dr. Gilete, a leading neurosurgeon in Barcelona. Ideal for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals seeking clear definitions and practical insights.

Non-technical (user friendly) Glossary

Craniocervical Instability (CCI)

Craniocervical instability refers to excessive movement or abnormal motion between the skull and the first cervical vertebra (C1), which can compromise spinal cord integrity and neurological function.

Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI)

Atlantoaxial instability is characterized by instability between the first (C1) and second (C2) cervical vertebrae, leading to abnormal joint movement that may affect spinal cord health.

Subaxial Instability

Subaxial instability denotes excessive motion at any cervical level below C2 through C7, potentially resulting in neck pain, neurological symptoms, or spinal cord compression.

Brain Stem Compression

Brain stem compression occurs when dynamic pressure on the brain stem—where the brain interfaces with the body’s nervous system—causes damage, which can lead to serious neurological deficits.

Basilar Invagination

Basilar invagination is a form of vertical instability in which the upper cervical spine migrates upward into the base of the skull, risking impingement on brain stem structures.

Odontoid Peg

The odontoid peg is the central bony projection of the C2 vertebra that traverses the ring of C1, serving as a pivotal axis for head rotation.

Superior Odontoid Migration

Superior odontoid migration describes the upward displacement of the odontoid peg without meeting full criteria for basilar invagination, indicating early or partial vertical instability.

Chiari / Tonsillar Ectopia

Chiari (tonsillar ectopia) involves descent of the hindbrain tonsils into the suboccipital fossa, diagnosed when this herniation obstructs cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and presents characteristic features.

Tethered Cord

Tethered cord syndrome occurs when the lower end of the spinal cord is abnormally anchored within the spinal canal. In Ehlers-Danlos patients, this can be “occult” and harder to detect.

Intracranial Hypertension / Hypotension

Intracranial hypertension and hypotension describe conditions of abnormally high or low CSF pressure within the skull, leading to symptoms such as headaches, visual changes, or neurological deficits.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of connective tissue disorders marked by “softer” collagen and hyperelastic tissues, with the hypermobile type (hEDS) being the most prevalent.

Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder

Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder encompasses connective tissue disorders causing joint laxity and related musculoskeletal symptoms without fulfilling all criteria for hEDS.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

ME/CFS is a chronic, debilitating illness defined by profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and a range of neurological and autonomic symptoms.

Upright MRI

Upright MRI is a weight-bearing magnetic resonance imaging modality that allows scanning in various postures (e.g., seated, standing). Dr. Gilete currently considers FONAR the only manufacturer of true upright MRI scanners.

Supine MRI

Supine MRI refers to the conventional horizontal, face-up MRI scan, commonly used in most radiology centers worldwide.

Cineradiology

Cineradiology (akin to Digital Motion Radiography or fluoroscopy) captures real-time x-ray sequences, often during lateral cervical flexion and extension, to assess dynamic spine motion.

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)

CBCT is a low-radiation CT imaging technique that provides high-resolution 3D views of bony structures, frequently used in dental and craniofacial assessments.

MRV / MRA

MRV (Magnetic Resonance Venography) and MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) visualize veins and arteries—typically with contrast, or using TOF (“Time of Flight”) sequences when contrast is contraindicated.

DICOM

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is the standard digital file format for storing, transmitting, and viewing medical imaging studies.

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