N.Y. Public Health Law § 2741: Definitions

§ 2741. Definitions. As used in this article:

1. "Traumatic brain injury" means an acquired injury to the brain

caused by an external physical force resulting in total or partial

disability or impairment and shall include but not be limited to damage

to the central nervous system from anoxic/hypoxic episodes or damage to

the central nervous system from allergic conditions, toxic substances

and other acute medical/clinical incidents. Such term shall include, but

not be limited to, open and closed brain injuries that may result in

mild, moderate or severe impairments in one or more areas, including

cognition, language, memory, attention, reasoning, abstract thinking,

judgment, problem-solving, sensory perceptual and motor abilities,

psycho-social behavior, physical functions, information processing and

speech. Such term shall not include progressive dementias and other

mentally impairing conditions, depression and psychiatric disorders in

which there is no known or obvious central nervous system damage,

neurological, metabolic and other medical conditions of chronic,

congenital or degenerative nature or brain injuries induced by birth

trauma.

2. "Concussion" means a mild traumatic injury to the brain that is

characterized by immediate and transient alteration of mental status and

level of consciousness, resulting from mechanical force or trauma.