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The BirthInjury.org dictionary is our effort to translate medical language into plain...or sometimes, just plainer...English. Let us know how we do.
Using the Dictionary
You can use the alphabet table to the left and go immediately to any letter of the alphabet and scroll through the words and definitions.
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J
No documents found.
K
L
M
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan
N
O
Orthopaedic Surgeon-Orthopedic Surgeon
P
Q
R
S
Selective dorsal root rhizotomy
Sensory integration dysfunction
T
U
V
W
No documents found.
X
No documents found.
Y
No documents found.
Z
No documents found.
A
To draw away or move away from the middle of the body or limb, such as lifting your arm out to the side. Outward rotation of the eyes.
To draw towards or move towards the middle of the body or limb, such as bringing your arm close to your body from the side.
A natural communication between two vessels; may be direct or by means of connecting channels. The surgical or pathological connections of two tubular structures.
Before or in front of; toward the front. For example, for a woman lying on her back, her abdomen would be “anterior.”
The strength required to lift part of your body against gravity.
A numbered score doctors use to assess a baby’s physical state at the time of birth. The score ranges from zero to 10, where zero is lifeless and 10 is perfect.
An impaired ability to carry out intentional movements, when you do not have significant motor problems. Total or partial loss of the ability to perform coordinated movements or manipulate objects. The brain of a child who has a brachial plexus injury can “forget” that there is an arm. The child may hold an object in the affected hand and completely forget that it is there.
Therapy performed, under the guidance of a trained aquatic therapist, in a pool or other body of water.
Active range of motion—the active (intentional) movement of the muscle.
Surgical immobilization of a joint so bones grow together.
Lack of oxygen resulting from trouble breathing, reduced oxygen in the air or blood.
Lack of physical coordination and poor depth perception that is often related to a neurological condition, such as cerebral palsy.
A type of cerebral palsy caused by damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia, which may cause involuntary movements in the face, arms or body.
A wasting away or decrease in the size of a cell, tissue, organ or body part. Atrophy occurs when muscles are not used due to lack of nerve function.
A forcible tearing away, separation or detachment of a part or structure. A nerve root being torn out of the spinal cord is the most severe type of nerve injury. It is the least common and most severe type of brachial plexus injury.
The underarm area; armpit
The portion of a nerve cell that conducts impulses from one cell to another like a “living wire.”
Interruptions of the axons of a nerve without destruction of the nerve's supporting structure.
B
A muscle with two heads or origins; the large muscle on the front of the upper arm, used to flex the elbow.
Having or pertaining to both sides.
Relating to the arm.
A network of nerves that branches down from the spinal column in the neck and down into each arm, and supplies feeling and control to movement of the arms, forearms and hands. When stretched or torn during childbirth, resulting in a loss of movement and feeling in the arm, hand and fingers, the condition is called Erb’s Palsy, Klumpke’s Palsy, or brachial plexus palsy.
Temporary or permanent weakened or paralyzed muscles in the arm, shoulder, and hand caused by birth injury to the brachial plexus. The nerves can be stretched, ruptured (torn), or avulsed (pulled out of the spinal column) when excessive traction is applied by the doctor or midwife delivering the baby. Abbreviations used are OBPI (obstetrical brachial plexus injuries) and TBPI (traumatic brachial plexus injuries).
The muscle that flexes the forearm.
Birth or delivery of the baby when any part of the body other than the head comes out first.
Breech presentation is ANY presentation other than head first (vertex); it could be a foot, both feet, buttocks, knees, etc. Babies in breech presentation may be more likely to have cerebral palsy, due to lack of oxygen during the delivery process.
Bilateral upper extremities (both upper arms).
C
An alternate method of childbirth which involves the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s belly and uterus. A C-section is typically used when problems arise during labor and a vaginal delivery is considered to pose a risk to the mother and infant.
An alternate method of childbirth which involves the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s belly and uterus. A C-section is typically used when problems arise during labor and a vaginal delivery is considered to pose a risk to the mother and infant. It should also be considered before labor begins, if there are indications of a potential risk of shoulder dystocia.
Any of the minute blood vessels, averaging 0.008mm in diameter, carrying blood and forming the capillary system. Capillaries connect the smallest arteries (arterioles) with the smallest veins (venules). Pertinent to hair; hairlike.
An imaging technique that uses X-rays and a computer to create a picture of the brain's tissues and structures; used to evaluate the brain for abnormalities to determine the origin of cerebral palsy. The formal terms are “computerized tomography scan” (thus CT scan) or “computerized axial tomography” (thus CAT scan).
The combination of the brain and the spinal cord, through which signals from the brain are sent to the body to direct movement and the function of organs.
Relating to the two hemispheres of the brain.
A type of birth injury resulting from the baby suffering an interruption of oxygen to the brain before labor begins, during delivery or in the immediate period after delivery. It is non-progressive and affects the development of fine and gross motor skills. It also affects cognitive development/learning ability.
Relating to the neck.
A network of fibers originating in the upper four cervical spinal cord segments.
Continuous, "jerky" involuntary movements that are associated with cerebral palsy.
Collarbone. The clavicle joins the shoulder on one end and the sternum on the other.
An abnormality in neuromuscular activity characterized by rapidly alternating muscular contraction and relaxation.
The mental processes involving thought, perception and memory that can be affected by injuries sustained during childbirth.
Also referred to as "Computerized Tomography Scan," "Computerized Axial Tomography Scan," CT Scan, or CAT Scan.
An imaging technique that uses X-rays and a computer to create a picture of the brain's tissues and structures; used to evaluate the brain for abnormalities to determine the origin of cerebral palsy.
Present at birth.
Tissue such as tendons and ligaments that support or bind other tissues.
A condition in which muscle tendons or scar tissue permanently shorten, and become fixed in a rigid, abnormal position causing distortion or deformity.
Shortening of a muscle that produces deformity.
A bruise or injury that does not puncture the skin.
The upper arm muscle that bends the elbow.
Imaging of the spinal cord using computerized analysis of cross-sectional scans (tomograms) after injection of a contrast agent into the spinal fluid.
An imaging technique that uses X-rays and a computer to create a picture of the brain's tissues and structures; used to evaluate the brain for abnormalities to determine the origin of cerebral palsy. The formal terms are “computerized tomography scan” (thus CT scan) or “computerized axial tomography” (thus CAT scan).
D
A large triangular muscle that covers the shoulder joint. This muscle is used to raise the arm to the side.
Occasionally, something may disrupt the brain's development process. A brain in utero may fail to develop the usual number of brain cells, communication between cells may be impaired, or brain cells may not migrate to the areas they are supposed to. Causes of these malformations can include genetic disorders, chromosome abnormalities with either too much or too little genetic material, or faulty blood supply to the brain. Developmental brain malformations in the areas of the brain which control voluntary movement may cause cerebral palsy.
The averages ages at which children develop certain skills or abilities. Tracking these milestones enables you to observe any problems in your child's development.
The thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen.
Away from the middle; the farthest from any point of reference; the part of that body that is farthest away from the center of the body. For example, the ankle is distal to the knee.
Describing the back or upper surface of a body part.
A chromosomal abnormality caused by an accident in cell development which creates 47 instead of the normal 46 chromosomes and thus alters the normal development of the body and brain.
The outer membrane covering the spinal cord and brain.
A speech disorder that often affects those with cerebral palsy, characterized by a weakness in the facial muscles that makes it difficult to move or coordinate the ones needed for speech.
Total or partial loss of the ability to perform coordinated movements or manipulate objects. The child may also have a decrease in body awareness, and navigating through the small spaces of a classroom may be difficult. They seem to have problems “moving in space.”
A difficult labor or delivery.
A condition involving abnormal muscle tone that causes involuntary body movements such as twisting, tremors and abnormal posture. Dystonia is frequently present in individuals with cerebral palsy.
E
A technique for recording the pattern of electrical currents inside the brain.
A test where a small needle is inserted into muscle to record electrical activity inside the muscle.
Measurement of electrical activity in muscle.
A test where a small needle is inserted into muscle to record electrical activity inside the muscle.
A symptom of brain dysfunction characterized by periodic, recurrent seizures.
Horseback riding, in the context of being part of a therapy program.
A form of paralysis caused by traumatic injury to the upper brachial plexus (C5 and C6). This occurs most
commonly during childbirth due to forcible traction during delivery. Indicators
of Erb's palsy include loss of sensation in the arm and paralysis and atrophy
of the muscles in the arm. Usually only affects one side of the body.
Movement at a joint that increases angle between bones on either side; The movement of two elements of any jointed body part are directed away from each other (straightened).
A muscle that extends or straightens a body part, such as a finger or an arm.
F
A condition characterized by lag in physical growth and development.
Muscle contractions that appear as uncontrollable muscle twitching or tics. They usually indicate a neurological disorder and may be common with a brachial plexus injury.
A situation in which your baby, while still in the womb, is having some physical difficulty, most often a
problem with oxygenation or breathing. Signs of fetal distress included decreased movement, decreased fetal heart rate (brachycardia), elevated heart rate (tachycardia), or deceleration of the heart rate, or other patterns that can be detected by electronic fetal monitoring.
This is a problem in using the hands and fingers for finer tasks. For example, a child with a brachial
plexus injury may have much difficulty with tracing and cutting or doing any
fine motor tasks that require two hands. Adaptive equipment may be necessary
for success with fine motor. If the child is using his or her non-dominant hand
because the dominant hand is paralyzed, even more difficulty is apparent.
Weak, limp, lacking firmness, muscle tone and resilience.
Movement at joint that decreases the angle between bones on either side; moving a joint inward
(bending) to bring it closer to the body.
A muscle that bends or flexes any body part, such as the arm or hand.
Smooth, spoon-like metal instruments that are applied to the sides of a baby's head to help guide it out
of the birth canal during delivery. Forceps are used to facilitate a vaginal delivery when the baby is not making a steady progression down the birth canal. Too aggressive use of forceps, however, can cause injury to the child.
G
A manner of walking which can provide clues to the existence of certain medical conditions, including cerebral palsy.
A technique that uses camera recording, forceplates, electromyography, and computer analysis to objectively measure an individual's pattern of walking.
Fetal age of a newborn, calculated from conception until birth.
Surgical implant of living tissue.
H
Defective vision or blindness that impairs half of the normal field of vision.
A form of cerebral palsy in which spasticity affects the arm and leg on one side of the body.
Uncontrollable shaking affecting the limbs onthe spastic side of the body in those who have spastic hemiplegia.
Brain damage caused by poor blood flow or insufficient oxygen supply to the brain.
Horner's syndrome is caused by injury to the sympathetic nerves of the face. It is characterized by a
constricted pupil, drooping eyelid (ptosis) and facial dryness. One cause of Horner's Syndrome is the use of "excessive force" by the physician or midwife during delivery.
The top of the long bone of the upper arm, where it joins the shoulder.
The long bone of the upper arm.
Increased muscle tone in a newborn infant, causing it to appear stiff or rigid. Hypertonia is often an
early sign of cerebral palsy.
Too much blood; abnormal increase in the volume of circulating blood.
Having deficient tone or tension of the muscles. This is caused by nerve damage. Hypotonia may be one of
the causes of issues with balance and gait. It may be the cause of certain types of speech dysfunction. The child may have a lordosis (swayback) posturing and may also be at a higher risk for scoliosis.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Brain damage caused by poor blood flow or insufficient oxygen supply to the brain.
I
An individualized education plan for a child with birth injuries. It is a document that sets out a school's duties to the particular child in order to assist him or her in obtaining the best possible education. (See the Government Services Section of our site for more information)
An individualized education plan for a child with birth injuries. It is a document that sets out a school's duties to the particular child in order to assist him or her in obtaining the best possible education. (See the Government Services Section of our site for more information)
Supply of nerve fibers; the nervous excitation necessary for the maintenance of the life and functions of
various organs, including muscles.
Situated between the ribs.
Bleeding into the fluid spaces (or "ventricles") within the brain or bleeding in areas near
the ventricles.
To insert a tube in the body, especially the larynx; most often used to enable a patient to breathe.
Movement not under conscious control of the brain. Your heart beat is an involuntary movement.
When involuntary movements affect normally controlled parts of the body, such
as limbs or mouths, these can be seriously detrimental to your ability to
function normally.
K
A form of brachial plexus injury usually affecting the lower trunk.
It is generally manifested by weakness in the wrist and hand.
L
Relating to the larynx.
Side.
The broad muscle of the back.
The original name for cerebral palsy, as defined by English surgeon William John Little in 1843.
Swayback.
Complete dislocation of a joint.
M
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer to acquire pictures of the inside of your child's body. MRI scans can be used to take small section pictures of just about any body part.
A condition in which a person's intake of nutrients is not enough to support proper functioning in
everyday life. Malnutrition may result from an inadequate intake of calories, the lack of a particular nutrient, or an inability to properly digest or absorb nutrients from food. Since they often have feeding issues,
children with cerebral palsy are especially susceptible to malnutrition and related problems.
Middle; the side of the body or body part that is nearer to the middle or center of the body.
An infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the brain; inflammation of the
membranes of the spinal cord or brain.
Surgery performed on small structures magnified by a microscope.
Surgical implantation of nerve tissue using an operating microscope to work on very small structures.
A reflex exhibited by a newborn that involves extending its arms when held on its back and tilted backwards so that its legs are above its head. Infants with cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders tend to retain this reflex for a prolonged period of time, beyond 5 months of age. Also known as the "startle reflex".
A muscle, nerve or center that effects or produces movement.
The parts of the human body which enable people to move. Fine motor skills includes the use of small muscles, such as hands; gross motor skills represents the larger muscles, such as legs and arms.
An MRI uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer to acquire pictures of the inside of your
child's body. MRI can be used to take small section pictures of just about any body part.
Relating to both muscle and skin.
N
In 1986 A.O. Narakas (Algimantas Otonas Narakas 1927-1993) published a classification system of
neonatal brachial plexus palsy based on the clinical course of children during the first eight weeks of life.
Bleeding of blood vessels in the brain in a newborn.
Change in electric potential of a nerve when it is stimulated.
Surgical implantation of nerve tissue.
Specialized cell or nerve endings that respond to sensory stimuli.
Cessation in function of a peripheral nerve without degenerative changes occurring; the most common type of an Erb's palsy birth injury in which the nerve has been damaged but not torn.
The scientific study of the nervous system.
Disintegration or destruction of nerve tissue, or freeing of a nerve from inflammatory adhesions; surgical removal of part of a neuroma; stretching of a nerve to relieve tension.
A benign tumor composed of nerve cells, or scar tissue that forms when there is nerve damage, which puts
pressure on the injured nerve and disrupts its ability to send signals to the muscles.
When a neuroma is large, it must be removed. The nerve is then reattached either with end-to-end techniques or with nerve grafts.
The scientific study of the functioning of the nervous system.
A nerve that has been stretched and damaged but not torn; a condition in which conduction is blocked
at a point in the nerve but is present above and below that point.
Surgery which involves nerves, spinal cord, or brain.
Surgical connection of two nerves. This is a procedure generally used where there is an avulsion; donor nerves are used for the repair. The parts of the root still attached to the spinal cord can be used as donors for the avulsed nerves.
Complete division of a nerve; nerve injury with complete loss of function of the nerve even though there is little apparent damage anatomically.
Not relating to nerve tissue.
O
Obstetrical brachial plexus injury. See the definition for brachial plexus injury.
A health care professional who provides services designed to restore self-care, work and leisure skills to patients who have specific performance incapacities or deficits that reduce their abilities to cope with the tasks of everyday living.
Activities prescribed to promote recovery and rehabilitation.
Concerning the scapula and the hyoid bone. Muscle attached to the hyoid bone and the scapula.
Orthopaedic Surgeon-Orthopedic Surgeon
A physician who specializes in surgery of the bones, muscles, joints and tendons.
The branch of medicine concerned with correction of skeletal deformities.
Special devices, such as splints or braces, used to treat problems of the muscles, ligaments, or bones of the skeletal system.
Relating to bone.
Decrease in bone density.
Cutting a bone.
P
Muscular weakness, paralysis or problems in the control of voluntary movement.
To affect or strike with paralysis or palsy.
A form of cerebral palsy in which spasticity affects both legs but the arms are relatively or completely spared.
Weakness or paralysis. In cerebral palsy, it is often combined with a phrase that describes the distribution, such as "paraparesis".
Relating to, or forming, the wall of a cavity; relating to the parietal bone.
Neither spontaneous nor active, not produced by active efforts.
The original of a disease.
The major muscle of the chest.
Muscular tissues attached to the front of the chest wall and extending to the upper arms, located under the breast.
Passing of a fluid through spaces; the pouring of a fluid; supplying an organ or tissue with nutrients and oxygen by injecting blood or a suitable fluid into an artery.
Surrounding the socket of the eye.
Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system, i.e., nerves outside the central nervous system. Peripheral nerves contain non-neuronal cells and connective tissue.
Injury to the nerves that supply sensation to the arms and legs.
Relating to the diaphragm.
The motor nerve of the diaphragm. The phrenic nerve fibers originate in the cervical spinal column (mostly C4) and travel through the cervical plexus to the diaphragm.
A physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists help restore optimal function to people with injuries to the muscles, bones, tissues and nervous system.
A trained rehabilitation professional who promotes optimal health function and independence by teaching exercises and other physical activities to aid in rehabilitation and maximize physical ability with less pain.
A form of treatment that uses therapeutic exercises and equipment to help individuals regain physical function and skills. Physical therapy may be used to rehabilitate children suffering from cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy or other birth injuries.
A physician who specializes in surgery of the face, head, neck and nerve repairs, most often associated with enhancing a patient's appearance.
Weakness or paralysis. In cerebral palsy, it is often combined with a phrase that describes the distribution, such as "paraplegia".
A network or tangle. Plexus is a general term for a network of lymphatic vessels, nerves or veins.
Air in the chest cavity as a result of injury to the lung.
Relating to the posterior (back) surface of the knee.
Back; toward the back; situated behind.
Passive range of motion—the motion range of a joint through manual assistance.
The awareness of one's own posture, movement and changes in equilibrium and the knowledge of position, weight and resistance of objects in relation to the body, without necessarily having to look to check.
Closest from any point of reference; a part of the body closet to the center of the body.
If the C4 nerve in the brachial plexus nerve network is injured, there may be diaphragm paralysis or weakness. This issue may go undiagnosed because it may be hidden within the child's behavior. The child may seem extra tired, may not have a lot of strength or endurance and may lose function often. A physician may not "hear" any problems in the lungs, but if a pulmonary function test is administered, a reduction in pulmonary function is seen.
R
Relating to the radius, or the forearm bone on the side of the thumb.
Forearm bone on the side of the thumb.
The range through which a joint can be moved, usually its range of flexion and extension. Active range of motion (AROM) is the active movement of the muscle. Passive range of motion (PROM) is the motion range of a joint through manual assistance.
A physician who specializes in surgery of the face, head, neck and nerve repairs, most often associated with enhancing a patient's appearance.
Body movements that are made automatically in response to a specific cue.
Surgical removal.
Breathing.
The range through which a joint can be moved, usually its range of flexion and extension.
Also known as the "German measles," this is a viral infection which can damage the nervous system in a developing fetus.
A break or tear in tissue; this is a type of Erb's palsy birth injury that happens when the nerve is torn but not separated from the spinal column.
S
A physical convulsion or combination of several physical symptoms resulting from uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may affect some individuals with cerebral palsy and other types of brain-related birth injuries.
Selective dorsal root rhizotomy
A surgical procedure in which selected nerves are severed to reduce spasticity in the legs.
Sensory integration dysfunction
Sensory Integration is defined as the neurological process that organizes sensation from one's own body and the environment, thus making it possible to use the body effectively within the environment. Those children who have dysfunction in this area may react negatively to certain sounds, sights, types of clothing (such as socks), crowds, etc. What may look to be purely behavioral may not be.
A condition in which normal vaginal delivery is hindered due to the baby's shoulder being wedged behind the mother's pubic bone. One risk of shoulder dystocia is that the physician or midwife delivering the baby will attempt to deliver the baby by applying excessive traction on the baby's head. Pulling too hard on the baby's head can cause a permanent brachial plexus injury.
The most common form of cerebral palsy, itcauses affected children to have stiff and jerky movements.
A form of cerebral palsy in which both arms and both legs are affected, the legs being more severely affected.
A form of cerebral palsy in which spasticity affects the arm and leg on one side of the body.
A form of cerebral palsy in which spasticity affects both legs but the arms are relatively or completely spared.
One of two muscles arising from the sternum (chest bone) and inner part of the clavicle (collarbone).
Difficulty perceiving objects or identifying them using your sense of touch/
Misalignment of the eyes.
Below the clavicle.
Partial dislocation of a joint.
The muscle in the shoulder area that rotates the arm.
Rotation of forearm and hand so that the palm faces forward or upward, and corresponding rotation of lower leg and foot.
Lying on the back or with the face upward; noting position of the hand or foot with the palm or foot facing upward; opposite of prone.
Above the scapula (shoulder bone), the large, flat triangular bone which forms the posterior (back) part of the shoulder.
Relating to the calf.
T
Abnormal rapidity of heart action, usually defined as a heart rate over 100 per minute.
Abnormal rapidity of respiration.
Relating to feeling or sensing things by touch.
Traumatic brachial plexus injury. See the definition for brachial plexus injury.
Relating to or affecting the chest.
A state of poor muscle tone in the neck muscles that control the head's position, causing the head to turn to one side, forward, or backward. Torticollis may be a result of a birth injury suffered by the infant during delivery.
Forceful pulling.
Muscle of the upper back.
Rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions affecting various parts of the body, often seen in individuals with cerebral palsy.
The muscle along of the back of the upper arm.
Extends and draws back the forearm.
U
Relating to the ulna, or forearm bone on the side of the little finger.
A technique that bounces sound waves off of tissues and structures and uses the pattern of echoes to form an image, called a sonogram.
V
A technique used to assist with the completion of a vaginal delivery. A plastic cup is placed on the baby's head and attached to a specialized vacuum. The force of suction on the head combined with the mother's pushing activity helps the infant to move down the birth canal. However, the technique can also be very dangerous and result in brain injuries to the child.
Relating to the vagus nerve (the tenth cranial nerve). It is a mixed nerve, having motor and sensory functions and a wider distribution than any of the other cranial nerves.
The tenth cranial nerve. It is a mixed nerve, having motor and sensory functions and a wider distribution than any of the other cranial nerves.