RESOURCES: Glossary
Definitions: M
Monoplegia: Paralysis of one arm or one leg.
Motor Control: Regulation of the timing and amount of contraction of muscles of the body to produce smooth and coordinated movement. The regulation is carried out by operation of the nervous system. Motor control can be defined as gross which are large strong movements, or fine which are small precise movements as in finger and hand control.
Motor Level: This refers to the most caudal (lowest) segment of the spinal cord with normal motor function on both sides of the body.
Motor Planning: Action formulated in the mind before attempting to perform.
Muscle Tone: Used in clinical practice to describe the resistance of a muscle to being stretched. When the peripheral nerve to a muscle is severed, the muscle becomes flaccid (limp). When nerve fibers in the brain or spinal cord are damaged, the balance between facilitation and inhibition of muscle tone is disturbed. The tone of some muscles may become increased and they resist being stretched; a condition called hypertonicity or spasticity.
Myelography: A medical test involving injection of dye in to the spinal subarachnoid space so that an x-ray of the spinal cord can be taken. Used to detect spinal cord tumors, anatomical defects and disc problems.
Definitions: N
Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube): A tube that passes through the patient's nose and throat and ends in the patient's stomach. This tube allows for direct "tube feeding" to maintain the nutritional status of the patient or removal of stomach acids.
Neglect: Paying little or no attention to part of the body.
Neurological Level of Injury: This is the most distal neurological cord segment with normal motor and sensory function. As this is often different on each side of the body, it is recommended that each segment be separately recorded, instead of using a single level, i.e., R-sensory, L-sensory, R-motor, L-motor.
Neurologist: A physician who specializes in the nervous system and its disorders.
Neuroplasticity: A concept based upon the central nervous systems ability to adapt, rebuild and re-organize itself in respect of both its molecular form and function.
Non-Purposeful Movement: Movement that a person may make which has no apparent goal.
Normal Movement: The co-ordinated and appropriate response of the central nervous system for the achievement of a motor goal. It depends upon a central nervous system that is able to receive, integrate and respond to sensory information.
Nystagmus: Involuntary horizontal, vertical, or rotary movement of the eyeballs.