What type of injury results from an external mechanical force that can lead to disability or death?

The type of injury that results from an external mechanical force and has the potential to cause significant disability or death is traumatic brain injury (TBI). This encompasses a broad category of injuries to the brain that occur as a result of external physical force, such as a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. TBIs can vary in severity, from minor concussions to severe brain damage that can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, or even death.

Traumatic brain injuries can arise from various situations, including vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assaults. The definitions and implications related to TBIs highlight their serious impact on individuals, as they can disrupt normal brain functioning and lead to profound changes in behavior and cognition.

While conditions like concussion, stroke, and hemorrhage are related to brain injury, concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury, and strokes usually result from issues with blood flow rather than external mechanical forces. Hemorrhage can be a consequence of brain injury or stroke but does not itself describe the mechanism of injury initiated by an external force. Thus, traumatic brain injury is the most encompassing and correct answer in this context.