Brain Injury Terms and Definitions

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

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.

Ear Birth Defect
Anotia/microtia

brain tumor
An abnormal growth of tissue in the brain

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.

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

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.

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.

aneurysm
The localized enlargement of a blood vessel, usually an artery, that forms a bulge or sac.