A diffuse axonal injury is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that disrupts normal brain function. It occurs when head trauma tears the long connecting nerve fibers in the brain called axons. A diffuse axonal injury often causes microscopic changes to the brain, which may be challenging to detect with MRI scans and CT scans.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, as many as 40 to 50 percent of traumatic brain injuries requiring hospitalization are diffuse axonal injuries, and many of these are caused by accidents or violence.
What Happens When You Have a Diffuse Axonal Injury?
When a person is involved in a traumatic or violent event, the brain can shift or rotate inside the skull. When that occurs, long-connecting fibers in the brain called axons can shear and tear. Axons transmit signals from the cell body of neurons to other cells. Injuries to these fibers can disrupt communication in the brain and cause cell death.
Even seemingly mild diffuse axonal injuries or moderate diffuse axonal injuries can be significant because they injure the cells critical for communication. Disrupting communication between cells can lead to long-term or permanent disability. Severe diffuse axonal injuries can render an individual unconscious or leave them in a coma or a persistent vegetative state.
What Are the Common Causes of Diffuse Axonal Brain Injuries?
Diffuse axonal brain injuries occur when a sudden, violent external force damages the brain. Some of the most common causes of diffuse axonal injuries include:
- Car accidents and other motor vehicle crashes
- Falls
- Gunshot wounds
- Violent attacks
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists falls as one of the leading causes of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States. Sports-related falls, hits, and injuries can also cause diffuse axonal injuries.
Symptoms, Treatment, and Long-Term Effects from Diffuse Axonal Head Injuries
Unfortunately, diagnosing diffuse axonal injuries can be challenging. The microscopic nature of these injuries can make finding tears in the axons difficult. However, some key symptoms can indicate an individual is suffering from a traumatic brain injury.
Signs of a brain injury can include:
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Loss of coordination or mobility
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Changes in hearing or vision
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Changes in mood
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the brain injury. Medical professionals may need to manage the injury by reducing swelling in the brain, controlling seizures, and surgically removing blood clots. Treatment often includes physical therapy and rehabilitation to counter the effects of brain damage.
The long-term consequences of a diffuse axonal injury can be profound. Depending on the severity of the brain damage, some people experience significant physical and mental impairments, including:
- Cognitive issues
- Memory problems
- Paralysis
- Motor defects
- Tremors
- Communication challenges
- Difficulties speaking or reading
- Irritability
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Changes in sensory perception
Some of these changes can be permanent. Severe diffuse axonal injuries can also lead to death.
How Our Northern Alabama Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help
A diffuse axonal injury can cause life-altering physical, mental, and financial consequences. Careless individuals who cause accidents that lead to diffuse axonal injuries should be held accountable for their actions. If someone else was to blame for your severe traumatic brain injury, you could be entitled to meaningful compensation for your losses.
At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our Alabama traumatic brain injury lawyers want to help you pursue the justice and the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact one of our Northern Alabama offices today to arrange a free case review.
