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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Sacrum
A large triangular bone found at the bottom of the spine.
Sarcoma
A term that can be used to described a type of tumour that develops from bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other types of connective or supportive tissue.
Schwannoma
A type of tumour that affects nerves and develops from the lining that surrounds them.
See our Spinal tumours booklet
Scoliosis
An abnormal ‘sideways’ curve in the spine.
Useful links:
Seizures
A burst of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affects how it works. They can cause a wide range of symptoms including changes in behaviour and sudden, uncontrolled body movements.
Sexual dysfunction
Difficulty experienced by an individual or couple during sexual activity, including problems with physical pleasure, desire, preference, arousal or orgasm.
See our Relationships and sex article
Useful links:
Shunt
A device that is used to move a body fluid, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), from one place to another.
See our Hydrocephalus and shunts fact sheet
Speech and language therapist
A specialist health professional that assesses, plans and treats people with communication and swallowing problems.
Speech problems
Useful links:
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a congenital condition where the spinal column and the spinal canal don’t completely close up before birth.
Useful links:
Spina Bifida Association (USA)
Spinal canal
The space formed by the unique shape of the bones of the spine, the vertebrae, that runs down through the spinal column and through which the spinal cord passes.
Spinal cord
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that extends from the brain to the lumbar section of the spine, and is situated in the spinal canal.
Spinal injury
Useful links:
American Spinal Injury Association
Multidisciplinary Association of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals
Spinal muscular atrophy
A progressive genetic condition that affects the nerves in the body and causes muscle wasting.
Useful links:
Spinal strokes
A spinal stroke is a disruption to the blood supply to the spinal cord, which can cause damage to tissues and can lock messages travelling along the spinal cord.
See our Spinal strokes fact sheet
Spinal tumours
See our Spinal tumours booklet
Spondylolisthesis
A spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra in the spine is out of place in relation to the one above or below. This can result from injury to the spine or a degenerative condition, but in rare cases it is present from birth.
Spondylolysis
A type of fracture that can occur in the spine.
Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a medical term that describes degenerative changes that occur in the vertebrae of the spine. These changes may be due to advancing age and are sometimes described as ‘wear and tear’of the bones in the spine, or they may be the result of previous injuries or other existing conditions that affect the spine.
Stroke
A stroke is a disruption to the blood supply to a part of the brain, which causes damage to brain cells by starving them of oxygen. A lack of blood flow can be caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, or can be due to a bleed occurring. The symptoms will depend on what area of the brain has been affected by the lack of blood flow.
Useful links:
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
(sometimes abbreviated to SAH)
A type of stroke that is caused by bleeding on the surface of the brain. The bleed leaks in to a space called the subarachnoid space, which is a space between two of the three protective layers (the meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
See our Subarachnoid haemorrhage booklet
Subdural haematoma
A subdural haematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and the surface of the brain. It can occur following a head injury, and can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, mood changes and loss of consciousness.
Syringobulbia
A fluid filled cavity within the brainstem.
Syringomyelia
A fluid filled cavity within the spinal cord.
Useful links:
American Syringomyelia Alliance Project Inc
Syrinx
A fluid-filled cavity found within the spinal cord or brainstem.