Definition of Brain Injury – A Starting Point

Definition of Brain Injury

The best definition of brain injury is damage to the brain caused by trauma.  One definition of  brain injury  taken from the Wisconsin Statutes has a definition of  brain injury as;

  • Any injury to the brain regardless of age at onset …. the results of which are expected to continue indefinitely which constitutes a substantial handicap to the individual.

Another definition of brain injury comes from Wikepedia;

  • (TBI), also known as intracranial injury, occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain. TBI can be classified based on severity, mechanism (closed or penetrating head injury), or other features (e.g., occurring in a specific location or over a widespread area). Head injury usually refers to TBI, but is a broader category because it can involve damage to structures other than the brain, such as the scalp and skull.

Then this definition of brain injury focuses on the effect of the injury:

(An injury) which directly results in any one or more of the following.

  • Attention impairment – trouble with paying attention
  • Cognition impairment – trouble with things like making decisions, anger, etc.
  • Language impairment – trouble with speech like confabulation, aphasia, etc.
  • Memory impairment – trouble remembering things either short or long term
  • Conduct disorder – trouble with anger, irrational behavior disturbances, etc.
  • Motor disorder – trouble with trouble with neurological based motor skills
  • Any other neurological dysfunction

There are many definitions brain injury.  And throughout our website TBI Law you will find a definition that suits you.  You will become to understand the effects of brain injury on the survivors and allies as well.  If you are interested in hearing the voices of the survivors, you can click here and here actual survivors stories. Brain injury effects every individual differently and this a nice collection of survivor stories that demonstrates the effects of brain injury.

NEXT: Brain Swelling / Brain Edema.