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Naso-gastric (NG) tube
A feeding tube that is passed through your nose down your throat and into your stomach. They are used to provide nutrition if you have problems swallowing. NG tubes are designed for short-term use. If your swallowing problems persist then you may be given a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube.

Neglect
This occurs when you are not aware of one side of your body (usually the left side). You might not be aware of being touched on one side or not see things on one side. In extreme causes, an individual may not be aware that their arm or leg on the affected side belongs to them.

Neurologist
A doctor who specialises in neurology. The neurologist diagnoses, manages and treats disorders that affect the brain and nervous system. A surgeon who operates on the brain is a neurosurgeon.

Neurology
The study of medicine that treats diseases and disorders of the nervous system which includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body. It includes disorders like stroke, epilepsy and degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Neuron
The term for a nerve cell. The nervous system contains billions of neurons with three main types, sensory, motor and interneurons. If the cell body of a neuron is damaged the cell dies and is never replaced.

Neuroplasticity
Stroke causes damage to the brain, which causes brain cells to die. Although they can’t grow back, other parts of the brain can learn to take over the jobs which the damaged areas do. This is called neuroplasticity.

Neuro-protective agents
Treatments that have been developed to protect the area around the part of the brain that has been damaged by a stroke (called the penumbra). As of yet no medication has been shown to work but research into the use of infrared lasers and hypothermia as possible treatments are currently under way.

'Nil by mouth'
If the health team feel that your swallow is unsafe they may advise that you should not eat or drink anything until you have your swallow assessed, this known as ‘nil by mouth’. If so, you should be given fluid and foods by other means to keep you hydrated and maintain your nutrition levels. You may also be asked not to eat or drink anything (nil by mouth) before you have any tests or an operation.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
NRT steadily releases nicotine into your blood stream without you having to inhale the poisonous chemicals from cigarette smoke. NRT products include skin patches, inhalers, gum or tablets. Using NRT helps to relieve smoking withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, restlessness, irritability and depression and can make it easier to stop smoking.

Nystagmus
Continuous uncontrolled movement of the eyes. There are different types of nystagmus, the most common is jerky nystagmus, where the eyes move slowly in one direction followed by a fast corrective jerking movement in the other direction. The movement can be in any direction and is a sign of a problem with the visual system or the part of the brain responsible for eye movements.