PNEUMOENCEPHALOGRAM Meaning and
Definition
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A pneumoencephalogram is a diagnostic procedure used in neurology to visualize the structure and functioning of the brain. It involves the injection of air or another gas substance into the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain, followed by X-ray imaging. This technique provides valuable information about the brain's ventricular system, the cerebral blood vessels, and the overall intracranial dynamics.
During a pneumoencephalogram, a thin needle is inserted into the cisterna magna, which is located at the base of the skull. The gas is then injected to create a positive pressure in the subarachnoid space, causing the brain to move away from the surrounding structures. This separation allows for clear visualization of various brain regions and their relationship with adjacent tissues.
Pneumoencephalography was once a widely used method for diagnosing brain abnormalities, but it has been largely replaced by modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These newer modalities provide more precise and detailed images, without the need for invasive procedures like pneumoencephalography.
Despite being a less commonly utilized technique nowadays, the historical significance of pneumoencephalography cannot be ignored, as it marked a significant advancement in the field of neuroradiology. It laid the foundation for later developments in imaging technology, ultimately leading to non-invasive techniques that are more comfortable and safer for patients.
Common Misspellings for PNEUMOENCEPHALOGRAM
- oneumoencephalogram
- lneumoencephalogram
- -neumoencephalogram
- 0neumoencephalogram
- pbeumoencephalogram
- pmeumoencephalogram
- pjeumoencephalogram
- pheumoencephalogram
- pnwumoencephalogram
- pnsumoencephalogram
- pndumoencephalogram
- pnrumoencephalogram
- pn4umoencephalogram
- pn3umoencephalogram
- pneymoencephalogram
- pnehmoencephalogram
- pnejmoencephalogram
- pneimoencephalogram
- pne8moencephalogram
Etymology of PNEUMOENCEPHALOGRAM
The word pneumoencephalogram is derived from three Greek roots: pneumo, encephalo, and gram.
1. Pneumo comes from the Greek word pneuma meaning air or breath. It is also related to the Greek word pnein for to breathe.
2. Encephalo is derived from the Greek word enkephalos, meaning brain.
3. Gram comes from the Greek word gramma meaning something written or a drawing.
When combined, pneumoencephalogram literally means a record or image (gram) of the brain (encephalo) using air (pneumo).
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