Dictionary

neuropathy, diabetic See diabetic neuropathy.

neuropathy, accessory See accessory neuropathy.

neuropathy Any disease or malfunction of the nerves.

neuropathic pseudo-obstruction See pseudoobstruction, neuropathic.

neuron-specific enolase test A test for an enzyme that has been detected in the blood of patients with certain tumors, including neuroblastomas, small-cell lung cancers, and other tumors. Abbreviated NSE test. Measurement of NSE levels as a tumor marker in patients with these types of tumors can provide information about the extent of the disease…

neuron A nerve cell that receives and sends electrical signals over long distances within the body. A neuron receives electrical input signals from sensory cells (called sensory neurons) and from other neurons. The neuron sends electrical output signals to muscle neurons (called motoneurons or motor neurons) and to other neurons. A neuron that simply signals…

neuroma, acoustic A benign tumor of the hearing and balance nerves near the inner ear. Aside from hearing and balance, these tumors can impinge on the facial nerve, causing facial paralysis, and press on nearby brain structures and be lifethreatening. Acoustic neuromas may be removed by surgery or shrunk by radiosurgery. Bilateral acoustic neuromas are…

neuroma A benign tumor that arises from a nerve as, for example, an acoustic glioma or optic glioma.

neurology The medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves.

neurologist A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.

neurological Having to do with the nerves or the nervous system as, for example, a neurological exam.

neurogenic Giving rise to or arising from the nerves or the nervous system. For example, neurogenic pain is pain that originates in the nerves, as opposed to muscle pain, bone pain, etc.