What does diffuse axonal injury mean?
Diffuse axonal injury is the shearing (tearing) of the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers (axons) that happens when the brain is injured as it shifts and rotates inside the bony skull. DAI usually causes coma and injury to many different parts of the brain.
Is diffuse axonal injury brain damage?
DAI is due to a mechanism of mechanical injury, deacceleration-acceleration injury and is most often seen in acceleration-deceleration accidents and shaken baby syndrome. Individuals with DAI experience temporary or permanent widespread brain damage, coma, or death.
Can you recover from diffuse axonal brain injury?
For some, recovering from a diffuse axonal brain injury is possible—but there are no guarantees with such injuries. The severity of the brain lesions, which areas of the brain they are in, your treatment, and many other factors can affect whether or not you make a full recovery.
What parts of the brain will be damaged due to a diffuse axonal injury?
Usually, patients with diffuse axonal injury present with bilateral neurological examination deficits frequently affecting the frontal and temporal white matter, corpus callosum, and brainstem.
What are the symptoms of diffuse axonal injury?
Symptoms of Diffuse Axonal Injury The main symptom of diffuse axonal injury is lack of consciousness, which can last up to six hours or more. A person with a mild or moderate diffuse axonal injury who is conscious may also show other signs of brain damage, depending upon which area of the brain is most affected.
How do you treat a diffuse axonal injury?
Diffuse Axonal Injury Treatment
- Physical Therapy. One of the main goals of physical therapy during diffuse axonal injury recovery is to regain control over your movements.
- Speech Therapy.
- Occupational Therapy.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
What is the prognosis after diffuse axonal injury?
Prognosis of Diffuse Axonal Injury In mild to moderate forms of diffuse axonal injury, recovery is possible, with the mildest forms of diffuse axonal injury often resulting in few if any long-term issues. About 90% of survivors with severe diffuse axonal injury remain unconscious.
How common is diffuse axonal injury?
DAI is one of the most common and devastating types of traumatic brain injury and is a major cause of unconsciousness and persistent vegetative state after severe head trauma. It occurs in about half of all cases of severe head trauma and may be the primary damage that occurs in concussion.