§22-11C-3. Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY or HEAD INJURY. Hereinafter, referred to as "head injury." An occurrence of injury to the head that is documented in a medical record, with one or more of the following conditions attributed to head injury:

a. Observed or self-reported decreased level of consciousness.

b. Amnesia.

c. Skull fracture.

d. Objective neurological or neuropsychological abnormality.

e. Diagnosed intracranial lesion.

f. As an occurrence of death resulting from trauma, with head injury listed on the death certificate, autopsy report, or medical examiner's report in the sequence of conditions that resulted in death.

This definition applies to an acquired injury to the brain. This term does not include brain dysfunction caused by congenital or degenerative disorders, nor birth trauma, but may include brain injuries caused by anoxia due to near drowning.

(2) SPINAL CORD INJURY. The occurrence of an acute traumatic lesion of neural elements in the spinal canal (spinal cord and Cauda equina), resulting in temporary or permanent sensory deficit, motor deficit, or bowel or bladder dysfunction.

(Act 98-611, p. 1343, §3.)