Resource Guide Glossary

Glossary of Terms

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N.A.R.P.	National Association of Rehabilitation Professionals.
NDT	See Neuro Developmental Treatment.
NPO	Latin initials that stand for "Nothing by Mouth". This means no food or liquids for a set period usually in preparation for certain tests or when the person cannot safely swallow.
Nasogastric Tube - Ng Tube	A tube which passes through the patient's nose and throat and ends in the patient's stomach. This tube allows for direct "tube feedings" to maintain the nutritional status of the patient or removal of stomach acids.
Neologism	Nonsense or made-up word used when speaking. The person often does not realize that the word makes no sense.
Neuro Developmental Treatment (Ndt)	A therapeutic approach based on the normal development of movement and emphasizing the restoration of normal movement in performing functional activities.
Neurologist	A physician who specializes in diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. This type of physician does not perform surgery.
Neurophysiology	The study of the functions of the nervous system.
Neuropsychologist	A psychologist who is an expert in working with patients who have experienced brain injuries and can diagnose brain injury. Neuropsychologists often carry out special tests of brain function, may provide cognitive rehabilitation and work very closely with the rehabilitation team.
Neurosurgeon	A surgeon who is an expert in nervous systems diseases. Neurosurgeons operate on the brain and spinal cord and are often attending physicians for patients with brain injuries.
Non-Ambulatory	Not able to walk.
Non-Purposeful Movement	Movement a person may make with no apparent goal.
Numerical Ability	Ability to solve numerical problems using the four fundamental rules of arithmetic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Nurse	A person with special training in the care of patients with various problems. As part of the brain injury team, nurses also have special training and experience in caring for patients with diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord.
Nursing Home	A residential facility for the patient who requires supervision in all activities, including assistance with medication, meal preparation, bathing, dressing, and moving about; the patient may also require special nursing care and/or ongoing therapy. There are nursing homes that provide minimal to maximum care.
Nutritionist	An expert in the nutritional requirements of patients. Nutritionists are also adept at various methods of feeding, for those unable to take in food and fluid by mouth.
Nystagmus	Involuntary horizontal, vertical, or rotary movement of the eyeballs.

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Material for the glossary was provided by the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA).