Glossary of ALS-Related Medical and Scientific Terms

(Presented by The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Select a letter from the list above.

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basal ganglia Several large clusters of nerve cells, including the striatum and the substantia nigra, deep in the brain below the cerebral hemispheres.

BDNF Type of growth factor

Bell's palsy An unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis that begins suddenly and steadily worsens.

bioassay Determination of the potency or concentration of a compound by its effect upon animals, isolated tissues, or microorganisms, as compared with an analysis of its chemical or physical properties.

biochemistry The chemistry of biology; the application of the tools and concepts of chemistry to living systems. Biochemists study the structures and physical properties of biological molecules.

bioinformatics The process of developing tools and processes to quantify and collect data to study biological systems logically.

blink rate The number of times per minute that the eyelid automatically closes -- normally 10 to 30 per minute.

blood-brain barrier (BBB) A protective barrier formed by the blood vessels and glia of the brain. It prevents some substances in the blood from entering brain tissue.

bradykinesia Slowness of movement.

bradyphrenia Slowness of thought processes.

brain attack Another term for stroke.

brisk reflex A condition that describes the deterioration of the upper motor nerve cells (neurons).

bulbar Bulbar ALS is the type in which onset symptoms are in the facial muscles, speech and swallowing.

bulbar muscles The muscles that control the speech, chewing and swallowing.

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