Brain Injury Terms and Definitions

NCEH
National Center for Environmental Health

Gastrointestinal Birth Defect
Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula, intestinal atresia, biliary atresia

amygdala
uh-MIG-duh-luh). A part of the brain that oversees emotions and triggers your response to danger.

Eye Birth Defect
Anophthalmia/microphthalmia, congenital cataracts, glaucoma

CBDRP
Centers for Birth Defects Research & Prevention

Jackson-Weiss syndrome
Many of the characteristic facial features of Jackson-Weiss syndrome result from the premature fusion of the skull bones. The head is unable to grow normally, which can lead to a misshapen skull, widely spaced eyes, and a bulging forehead. Foot abnormalities are the most consistent characteristic, as not all individuals with Jackson-Weiss syndrome have abnormal skull or facial features.

hematoma
A collection of blood within the brain or on its surface that can cause increased pressure, which can damage brain cells and interrupt blood flow.

neural tube defect
A structure in early fetal life that develops into the brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and spine.

NBDPN
National Birth Defects Prevention Network

vascular dementia
A common form of dementia that results either from narrowing and blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the brain or by strokes that cause an interruption of blood flow within the brain.