RESOURCES: Glossary
Definitions: I
Imperception: Refers to a failure to perceive (notice) stimulation on one side of the body when both sides are being stimulated simultaneously (double simultaneous stimulation). It is not due to a primary sensory deficit such as deafness or blindness but appears to be an attention deficit. It is less severe than "neglect" and may occur in a patient recovering from neglect.
Impulse Control: Refers to the individual's ability to withhold inappropriate verbal or motor responses while completing a task. Persons who act or speak without first considering the consequences are viewed as having poor impulse control.
Incontinent: Loss of voluntary control over bowel and bladder functions.
Incoordination: A problem with coordination of movement of parts of the body, resulting from dysfunction of the nervous system rather than weakness of muscles.
Inhibition: This is a central dynamic process which is vital for the integration of central nervous system activity to allow for normal movement. One needs inhibition to control muscle tone.
Innervation: This refers to the nerve supply of muscle, joint, skin etc.
Insight Regarding Impairment: The extent to which an individual accurately judges one's own strengths and limitations; also called metacognition. A patient's ability in this area may be judged on the basis of actions or statements regarding intended actions. Patients with brain injuries often overestimate their strengths and underestimate their limitations.
Intercerebral: Between the cerebral hemispheres.
Intermittent Catheterization Program (ICP): Use of a catheter to empty the bladder at regular intervals so that the individual does not have to have an indwelling catheter.
Internal Fixation: This is the achievement of anatomical stability following disruption of the normal alignment of skeletal structures. It often is used in reference to the surgical intervention required to regain vertebral alignment following spinal injury.
Intracranial Pressure (ICP): Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure measured from a needle or bolt introduced into the CSF space surrounding the brain. It reflects the pressure inside of the skull.
Ipsilateral: Same side of the body.
Ischemia: A severe reduction in the supply of blood to body tissues.
Definitions: J
Jejunostomy Tube (J Tube): A type of feeding tube surgically inserted into the small intestine