====== Neurosurgery Glossary ======

This glossary contains concise definitions of terms commonly used in neurosurgery.

=== A ===

**Aneurysm**  
A localized balloon-like dilation of an artery caused by a weakness in the arterial wall, often occurring in the circle of Willis.

**AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation)**  
A congenital vascular anomaly where arteries connect directly to veins without capillaries, potentially causing hemorrhage.

=== B ===

**Burr Hole**  
A small hole drilled into the skull to relieve pressure or allow access for surgery or catheter placement.

=== C ===

**Chiari Malformation**  
A structural defect where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, often involving the cerebellar tonsils.

**Craniotomy**  
A surgical procedure where part of the skull is removed to access the brain.

=== D ===

**Dural Tear**  
An unintended opening in the dura mater, which can cause cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

=== E ===

**EVD (External Ventricular Drain)**  
A temporary catheter placed in the ventricles to drain CSF and monitor intracranial pressure.

=== G ===

**Glioblastoma**  
The most aggressive and common malignant brain tumor in adults, classified as WHO grade IV.

=== S ===

**Subdural Hematoma**  
A collection of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane, usually due to trauma.

**Stereotactic Surgery**  
A minimally invasive form of surgical intervention that uses a three-dimensional coordinate system to locate small targets inside the body.

===== T =====

[[Thoracolumbar spine fracture]]