A to Z of neurological topics
In this section we feature information on a number of tests, treatments and conditions, with links for more information either within this website or on external sites where possible. If you can't find what you're looking for, you may wish to speak with one of our Helpline team who may be able to answer your questions. Send an email to helpline@brainandspine.org.uk or call free on 0808 808 1000.
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Capillary telangiectasia
Small areas, or clusters, of abnormally dilated capillaries (small blood vessels) that are seen within otherwise normal brain tissue
See our Vascular malformations of the brain booklet
Catheter
A flexible tube use in medical procedures.
Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition in which the bundle of nerves that sits below the spinal cord in the spinal column, often referred to as the cauda equina, is compressed. It can cause pain in the lower back or legs, numbness or weakness in the legs and groin, and can affect bowel or bladder control, as well as sexual function.
Causalgia
Causalgia is an older term for what is now more often described as type 2 complex regional pain syndrome.
See complex regional pain syndrome for more information.
Cavernoma
A cavernoma is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels, usually found in the brain and spine. Unlike arteriovenous malformations, cavernomas do not have well defined arteries or veins connecting to them.
See our Vascular malformations of the brain booklet
Cerebellar tonsils
The cerebellar tonsils are the lowest part of the cerebellum.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is the lowermost part of the brain, and plays a role in controlling balance and co-ordinating movement.
Cerebral palsy
A group of neurological conditions that affect muscle control, movement and co-ordination. These conditions are often caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during or soon after birth.
Useful links:
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
A clear, colourless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Its main functions are to protect the brain and to carry nutrients to the brain and remove waste.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
A cerebrospinal fluid leak occurs when there is a tear or hole in the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and the fluid that surrounds these structures escapes. As a result of this leak, the overall pressure within the skull can drop (which is referred to as intracranial hypotension) and this can cause headaches as well as other neurological symptoms.
Useful links:
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
A group of inherited conditions that affect the nerves that lie outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) and can cause problems with muscle control and sensation.
Useful links:
Chiari malformation
A medical term describing when the cerebellum, and sometimes the brainstem, extends below the foramen magnum and into the spinal canal. This can put pressure on the brain stem and spinal cord, and also disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which can cause a wide range of symptoms including headache, dizziness, and neck pain.
See our Chiari malformations fact sheet
Chordoma
A type of tumour that can occurs in the bones in the spine and at the base of the skull.
See our Spinal tumours booklet
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
(also known as myalgice encephalomyelitis or ME)
A condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, of which the most common is extreme tiredness or fatigue. It is not known what causes CFS/ME, but it is thought that in some cases it occurs following an infection or illness such as glandular fever or pneumonia.
Useful links:
Clinical Nurse Specialist
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a registered nurse who is an expert within a specialty area.
Clipping
A way of treating aneurysms by putting a small clamp around their base. This kind of procedure requires a craniotomy or open surgery.
See our Subarachnoid haemorrhage booklet
Cluster headache
A recurrent type of headache that typically occurs in a cyclical pattern or in clusters, and that causes a severe pain in or around one eye on one side of the head. Other symptoms that occur with a cluster headache can include a red and watery eye, drooping and swelling of one eyelid, or a blocked or runny nostril.
Useful links:
CNS nurse
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
A form of talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
Coiling
A way of treating aneurysms without the need for a craniotomy or open surgery, that is performed by going through the blood vessels and inserting a coil of metal in to the aneurysm.
See our Coiling of brain aneurysms fact sheet
Colloid cyst
A type of tumour/fluid filled sac that is found in the brain, but that is often found incidentally as they can be asymptomatic.
Complementary therapies
Non-mainstream types of medicine and treatment that are used alongside conventional medical treatments.
Useful links:
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Complex regional pain syndrome is a condition in which someone experiences severe ongoing pain in a limb or specific part of the body, which most often occurs following an injury.
Useful links:
Concussion
A temporary injury to the brain that can be a consequence of a minor head injury. A concussion can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and can also cause someone to be confused or have memory problems for a short period of time.
Congenital
This term refers to something, such as a condition, that has been present since birth. However, it may not become apparent until later in life and may be found incidentally.
Continence
As a medical term, continence generally refers to the ability of a person to control, or ‘hold back,’ functions of the bladder and the bowels.
Useful links:
Counselling and psychotherapy
Useful links:
UK & Ireland Directory of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor
A person trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems.
Craniotomy
An operation in which an opening is made in the skull.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
A degenerative brain disease that is most commonly caused by an infectious protein called a prion.
Useful links:
National CJD Surveillance Unit
CSF leak
See Cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid leak
CT scan
A CT scan is a Computerised Tomography scan. It is a special type of X-ray that uses a scanner and computer equipment to take cross-sectional pictures of the brain or spine.
See our Brain and Spine scans fact sheet
CTA scan
A CTA scan is a Computerised Tomography Angiography (CTA) scan. It is a special type of X-ray that involves injecting a special dye in to the bloodstream, and uses a scanner and computer equipment to take cross-sectional pictures of specific blood vessels