192.735 Definitions.

192.735. Definitions. — As used in sections 192.735 to 192.745 , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms shall mean: (1) "Brain injury" or "traumatic brain injury" , a sudden insult or damage to the brain or its coverings, not of a degenerative nature. Such insult or damage may produce an altered state of consciousness and may result in a decrease of one or more of the following: mental, cognitive, behavioral or physical functioning resulting in partial or total disability. Cerebral vascular accidents, aneurisms and congenital deficits are specifically excluded from this definition; (2) "Department" , the department of health and senior services; (3) "Spinal cord injury" , an injury that occurs as a result of trauma, which may involve spinal vertebral fracture, and where the injured person suffers two or more of the following effects either immediately or within forty-eight hours of injury: (a) Effects on the sensory system including numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the body or in one or more extremities; (b) Effects on the motor system including weakness or paralysis in one or more extremities; (c) Effects on the visceral system including bowel or bladder dysfunction or hypotension. (L. 1986 H.B. 1243 § 1, A.L. 2011 H.B. 464)