53-6-501. Traumatic brain injury defined. (1) (a) As used in 53-6-502 and this section, "traumatic brain injury" means:

(i) an injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, including but not limited to a motor vehicle accident, a fall, an assault, a sports injury, or a recreational or work-related accident; or

(ii) brain damage caused by an internal occurrence including but not limited to:

(A) disease, such as a benign or malignant tumor, meningitis, or encephalitis; or

(B) a cerebrovascular accident, such as stroke, atherosclerosis, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation; or

(C) anoxia, including but not limited to anoxia caused by near drowning, drug overdose, kidney or heart failure, chemical exposure, or electrical shock.

(b) The term "traumatic brain injury" does not include injuries of a degenerative or congenital nature.

(2) Traumatic brain injury as defined in this section may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness that results in a temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive or mental abilities, physical functioning, or behavioral or emotional functioning.