Strokesaurus

Word Definition

Magnetic Resonance Angiogram

A test that takes a picture of the blood vessels in the brain using magnetic signals and a computer.


For similar information see Procedures

Magnetic resonance angiogram is a type of medical test. 

Doctors take a picture of blood vessels in your brain. 

They can see if there are any blockages. 

They can also see areas of damage.


See Procedures

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves, instead of X-rays, to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body, including the brain.


For similar information see Procedures

Magnetic resonance imaging is a type of medical test. 

Doctors can take pictures inside your body. 

They can see what is happening in your brain. 


See Procedures

Massive Stroke

Also known as a major stroke.  Not a type of stroke but describes the degree of damage caused.


For similar information see  Types of stroke

Massive stroke is a stroke that does a lot of damage. 

It is not a type of stroke. 

It is a way of talking about how much damage the stroke did. 

It is also called a major stroke


See  Types of stroke

Medullar

Also known as the medullar oblongata. The lowest part of the brainstem, containing the cardiac, respiratory, vomiting and vasomotor centers.


For similar information see  Brain and Cognitive

The medullar is an area in your brain. 

It is the lowest part of your brain. 

It controls many things you do without thinking. 

This includes things like: 

  • Your breathing
  • Your heartbeat
  • When you sneeze
  • When you vomit

It is also called the medullar oblongata. 


See  Brain and Cognitive

Mild stroke

Also known as a minor stroke.  Not a type of stroke but describes the degree of damage caused. It is not a TIA, which used to be known as a mini-stroke.

 

For similar information see Types of stroke

Mild stroke is a stroke that does only a small amount of damage. 

It is not a type of stroke. 

It is a way of talking about how much damage the stroke did. 

It is also called a minor stroke

It not the same as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). 

TIAs used to be called mini-strokes

 

See Types of stroke

Mini-stroke

An old term for a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

A TIA happens when the blood supply to your brain is blocked temporarily. The signs are the same as for a stroke, but they disappear within a short time. Often, they are only present for a few minutes. 

After a TIA, your risk of stroke is higher. Stroke can lead to death or disability. A TIA is a warning that you may have a stroke and is an opportunity to act to prevent this happening.

 

For similar information see Types of stroke

A mini-stroke is an old term for a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

A TIA happens when the blood to your brain gets blocked for a short time. 

The signs are the same as a stroke, but they only last a short time. 

The signs usually disappear in a few minutes.

A TIA can warn you that a stroke may occur.

A TIA is a chance to act to stop this happening.

 

See Types of stroke

Mobility

The ability to move, for example, walking, standing up, moving from one chair to another.


For similar information see Leg functioning

Mobility means being able to move. 

For example:

  • Walking.
  • Standing up.
  • Moving from one chair to another.

 

See Leg functioning

MRI Scan

Abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging.


For similar information see Procedures

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.

Doctors can take pictures inside your body.

They can see what is happening in your brain.

 

See Procedures

Multi-Infarct Dementia

Multi-infarct dementia is caused by a series of small strokes. It permanently affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behaviour.

 

For similar information see Types of stroke

Multi-infarct dementia is damage to your mind caused by a series of small strokes. 

It causes permanent changes to: 

  • Your memory 
  • Your thinking 
  • How you talk and understand
  • How you make decisions
  • How you act

 

See Types of stroke

Muscle Tone

Muscle tone refers to the amount of tension in a muscle. Muscle tone allows us to keep our bodies in a certain position. Changes in muscle tone allow us to move. Stroke can result in abnormally low tone (hypotonia) or high tone (hypertonia).

Muscle tone means the tension in a muscle. 

Muscle tone lets you hold your body in a position. 

When you move, your muscle tone changes. 

Having a stroke can cause low muscle tone. 

It can also cause high muscle tone.