Brain Injury Terms and Definitions

enkephalins
(en-KEF-uh-lins). Naturally occurring molecules in the brain. Enkephalins attach to special receptors in the brain and spinal cord to inhibit pain messages. They also affect other functions within the brain and nervous system.

endorphins
Naturally occurring molecules made up of amino acids. Endorphins attach to special receptors in the brain and spinal cord to inhibit pain signals.

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

Alzheimer's disease
Severe form of dementia caused by significant deterioration of brain tissue.

Genitourinary Birth Defect
Renal agenesis (bilateral), hypospadias (2nd or 3rd degree)

Non-system-specific Birth Defect
Amniotic band sequence

Orofacial Birth Defect
Choanal atresia, cleft lip, cleft palate

Musculoskeletal Birth Defect
Diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, omphalocele, limb deficiency, craniosynostosis, bladder exstrophy, cloacal exstrophy, sacral agenesis/caudal regression.

cerebellum
The portion of the brain mainly responsible for balance and coordination.

cerebral palsy
A disorder caused by injury to the cerebral area of the brain that occurs before or during birth or in the first few months after birth. Damage to the cerebrum may cause paralysis (palsy) in one or more parts of the body.