Brain death: an irreversible cessation of measurable brain function.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): fluid that bathes and protects the brain and spinal cord.
Closed head injury: an injury that occurs when the head suddenly and violently hits an object but the object does not break through the skull.
Coma: state of profound unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison.
Computed tomography (CT): a scan that creates a series of cross-sectional X-rays of the head and brain; also called computerized axial tomography or CAT scan.
Concussion: injury to the brain caused by a hard blow or violent shaking, causing a sudden and temporary impairment of brain function, such as a short loss of consciousness or disturbance of vision and equilibrium.
Contusion: distinct area of swollen brain tissue mixed with blood released from broken blood vessels.
Intracerebral hematoma: bleeding within the brain caused by damage to a major blood vessel.
Intracranial pressure: buildup of pressure in the brain as a result of injury.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a noninvasive diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields to detect subtle changes in brain tissue.
Neuron: a nerve cell that is one of the main functional cells of the brain and nervous system.
Penetrating head injury: a brain injury in which an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue.
Penetrating skull fracture: a brain injury in which an object pierces the skull and injures brain tissue.
Vasospasm: exaggerated, persistent contraction of the walls of a blood vessel.
Vegetative state: a condition in which patients are unconscious and unaware of their surroundings, but continue to have a sleep/wake cycle and have periods of alertness.
Ventriculostomy: a surgical procedure that drains cerebrospinal fluid from the brain by creating an opening in one of the small cavities called ventricle.
Information courtesy of the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) in New York City
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ihif@indianheadinjuryfoundation.org
