The following are some neuro lingo that you may find throughout the site. It may be interesting also to you the glossary to put your knowledge of your nervous system and your health to the test.
You can search for a particular term, or click on a letter to browse entries.
There are currently 28 names in this directory beginning with the letter N.
Narcolepsy
A chronic neurologic disease, it is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone).
Narcotics
A group of pharmaceutical drugs, as well as "street" drugs, that work by blocking or interfering with pain messages to the brain. A.K.A. 0pioids.
Nerve
An enclosed, cable-like bundle of axons, or nerve fibers) that make up nerves coming off of your brain and shooting out from your spinal cord to your body (the peripheral nervous system). There are similar structures in the central nervous system called "tracts."
Nerve Block
A local anesthetic that is injected around a nerve to block pain messages from traveling along that nerve. Often used to relieve pain for a short period time.
Nerve Conduction Study
A neurological test that evaluates the function of a person's nerves. Also known as an NCV test, it relies on the ability of nerve fibers to conduct electricity.
Nervous System
Your brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of your body. Your brain interpret nerve activity and it responds to signals to control everything that you do.
Neural Network Health
A health care company that specializes in the health care for the nervous system.
Neurofibromatosis
A progressive genetic disease characterized by various skin changes as well as central and peripheral nervous system tumors.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
A rare but potentially fatal drug reaction to drug class called neuroleptics or anti-psychotics. It is a result of acute depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine by the drugs.
Neuroleptics
Also called antipsychotics, which area class of drugs to treat neurological disorders involving mental processing such as schizophrenia. They are used to treat other neurological disorders, such insomnia.
Neurological Exam
A specialized medical exam that evaluates nervous system function, injury and dysfunction.
Neurologist
A physician specializing in neurology and trained to investigate, diagnose and treat neurological disorders.
Neurology
The branch of medicine that pertains to disorders of the nervous system. Neurological practice relies on the scientific study of the nervous system.
Neuromodulation
Electrical stimulation of a peripheral nerve, the spinal cord or the brain for pain relief or control of disabling symptoms. This type of stimulation can be through the skin or through an implanted nerve stimulator.
Neuron
A central nervous system cell that generates and transmits information in the form of nerve impulses.
Neuropathic Pain
A type of pain that originates from a damaged nerve or other part of the nervous system.
Neuropathy, Diabetic
A disorder of the peripheral nerves in people who are diabetics, causing dysesthesias (uncomfortable sensations), symmetric sensory loss and distal weakness.
Neurotransmitter
One of the many chemicals in your brain, such as acetylcholine, serotonin and norepinephrine that allow communication between nerve cells (neurons).
Nicotine
A non-pharmaceutical drug, also known a tobacco, that can be purchased over-the-counter. It works by stimulating the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in a person's nervous system. This drug causes medical and neurological disease.
Nociceptors
Your neural receptors, or nerve endings attached to your peripheral nerves that detect potential and actual tissue injury. They also sense extreme heat, cold or pressure stimuli.
Non Associative Learning
A process of learning that occurs when you are repeatedly exposed to a stimulus. The stimulus does not result in either positive or negative consequences.
Non-Epileptic Seizures
Also called pseudo seizures. These are physical states that look like seizures, however there is no evidence of abnormal brain electricity on an electroencephalogram (EEG) during these events.
Norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter produced by your adrenal gland that regulates moods, blood pressure, heart beat arousal. It works with epinephrine to get your sympathetic branch of your autonomic nervous system working.