Brain Injury Terms and Definitions

BDPM
Birth Defects Monitoring Program

Orofacial Birth Defect
Choanal atresia, cleft lip, cleft palate

stroke
A condition produced by a blood clot that lodges in an artery and blocks the flow of blood to a portion of the brain, producing symptoms ranging from paralysis of limbs and loss of speech to unconsciousness and death. Less commonly, a stroke may be the result of bleeding into the substance of the brain.

Parkinson's disease
A progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain that helps control muscle movement.

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.

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

hypothalamus
The part of the brain that controls body functions such as eating, sleeping and sexual behavior, maintains body temperature and chemical balance, and regulates many hormones.

CBDRP
Centers for Birth Defects Research & Prevention

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

NBDPS
National Birth Defects Prevention Study