Neurology Care Center

B

BAEP

See brainstem auditory evoked potential

basal ganglia

Series of structures located deep in the brain that are responsible for motor movements

behavioral modification techniques

See biofeedback, bladder training, habit training, pelvic muscle exercises

Bell's palsy

Paralysis of the facial nerve producing distortion on one side of the face

benign

Not cancerous

beta2 agonists

Quick-relief medications that cause muscle relaxation and bronchoexpansion to relieve acute asthma symptoms

beta-blockers

Drugs that relieve stress on the heart by "blocking" the stimulating effect of adrenaline

bifurcation

Division of a single structure (usually vascular) into two paired structures, e.g., carotid bifurcation in the neck, where the common carotid arteries divide into the internal and external carotid arteries

bilateral

Affecting both sides of the body or two paired organs, e.g., the kidneys

biofeedback

Therapeutic training in which participants learn to control their involuntary nervous system through response to electric stimuli

biologic therapy

Systemic therapy utilizing interferon or interleukin

biopsy

(v.) To remove a sample of tissue for diagnostic evaluation; (n.) tissue specimen

blepharospasm

Involuntary closure of the eyes and lids

blood clot

Insoluble mass of blood

blood culture

Laboratory examination of a blood sample to detect the presence of disease-causing microorganisms

blood pressure measurement

Measure of the force of blood flow against artery walls taken with an inflatable cuff, inflating bulb, and a pressure gauge

blood thinners

Drugs that inhibit blood clotting

bone

Hard type of connective tissue, primarily made up of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and collagen, that supports and protects the body

bone scan

Nuclear medicine study used for detecting the presence of boney metastasis

bone survey

Radiologic study used to detect fractures and/or areas of boney destruction

bradykinesia

Slowing of motor movements due to dysfunction of the basal ganglia and related structures

brain attack

See stroke

brain injury

(1) closed head injury (CHI), which is caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head during which the brain bounces off the inside of the skull; (2) open head injury (OHI), caused by car accident, gunshot wound, or other external factor

brainstem auditory evoked potential

Test that measures how much auditory stimulus is required to cause a response from the brainstem

bursa

Sac of fluid typically found in areas where muscles or tendons tend to rub against bone, such as the hip, knee, and ankle

bursitis

Condition in which a bursal sac becomes inflamed due to irritation

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