Brain Injury Terms and Definitions

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

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

NCEH
National Center for Environmental Health

BDPM
Birth Defects Monitoring Program

Cardiovascular Birth Defect
Conotruncal heart defects, septal heart defects, obstructive heart defects, atrioventricular septal defects, single ventricle, anomalous pulmonary venous return, heterotaxy, Ebstein malformation.

CBDMP
California Birth Defects Monitoring Program

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

Orofacial Birth Defect
Choanal atresia, cleft lip, cleft palate

Alexander disease
Alexander disease is considered one of the leukodystrophies, a group of disorders where the primary abnormality is the inability to maintain the fatty covering (myelin) that insulates nerve fibers in the brain. Alexander disease is a rare disorder of the nervous system that usually begins during infancy or early childhood.

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