Medical Glossary

Barium Swallow

An x-ray using barium to view the act of swallowing, the esophagus or stomach; can show if a person may be aspirating.

Basal Ganglion

Mass of gray matter located deep within a cerebral hemisphere of the brain; has important functions in automatic movements of the limbs and in the control of muscle tonus.

Basilar Impression

An invagination (to unsheathe or place one part of a structure within the same structure) of the base of the skull into the posterior fossa with compression of the brainstem and cerebellar structure...

Bilateral

Something that occurs or appears on both sides. A patient with equal strength bilaterally means he has equal strength on both sides of his body.

Brain Stem

The portion of the brain that includes the midbrain, pons and medulla, thalamus and hypothalamus.
Please note that whilst we aim to respond promptly, we are not an emergency service. If you have a life threatening emergency, we advise you to dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.