WHAT IS BRAIN INJURY?

Acquired brain injury is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, present at birth, or degenerative. Causes include traumatic brain injury (TBI); anoxic/hypoxic injury (e.g. heart attack, carbon monoxide poisoning), intracranial surgery, seizure disorders & toxic exposure (e.g. substance abuse, ingestion or inhalation of volatile agents).

Traumatic brain injury with or without skull fracture is a blow to the brain caused by an external physical force that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness. Brain injury may result in:

1. impairment of cognitive abilities (example: perception, memory, or judgment),

2. physical, behavioral or

3. emotional functioning.

A brain injury may be either temporary or permanent & may cause either partial or total functional impairment. Mild brain injury, also known as concussion is an injury that may leave the person feeling dazed or cause a brief loss of consciousness. Mild brain injury can lead to "post-concussion syndrome" that can include headaches, dizziness, mild mental slowing, and fatigue. For some people, symptoms may last only a few months; for others, problems may persist indefinitely.

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The Brain Injury Glossary was edited by L. Don Lehmkuhl, PhD, of the Texas Medical Center, which includes over 200 terms A-Z. Brain injury is not to be taken lightly & your cooperation in spreading the word can alter the quality of life for someone, at the very least. Copyright 1992, by HDI Publishers 800-321-7037. For copies contact HDI at www.tr.wou.edu/tbi/glossary.htm. ##