What You Need To Know About Diffuse Axonal Injuries
Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) are severe and potentially life-threatening brain injuries. They can be caused by many different types of accidents, including car crashes, falls, physical assaults, and sports collisions. DAI can have serious consequences for victims, leaving them with long-term disabilities that may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a diffuse axonal injury, it is important to understand the risks, diagnosis, and treatment of this serious condition. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to walk you through the process of obtaining compensation to assist in rebuilding your life and obtaining the necessary treatment and services to reach maximum medical recovery.
What is A Diffuse Axonal Injury?
A diffuse axonal injury is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes widespread damage to nerve fibres throughout the brain, resulting in bleeding, bruising of brain tissue, and tearing of nerve fibres.
The force of the injury may cause shearing of the axons – these are also known as nerve fibres, and refer to a portion of the nerve cell designed to carry nerve impulses away from the main cell body. Essentially, they are responsible for carrying electrical
impulses between nerve cells.
What Causes A Diffuse Axonal Injury?
DAI is most often caused by strong blows to the head, and some of the most common causes include:
Car Accidents
The force of car accidents can cause a violent acceleration and deceleration of the head, resulting in the shearing of nerve fibres.
Falls
Falls from heights, or onto hard surfaces, can also lead to a diffuse axonal injury. This is especially true if there is an impact on the head or neck as a result of the fall.
Assault
Physical assaults are also a common cause of DAI. The force of a punch, kick, or another strike to the head can cause shearing of nerve fibres and result in long-term disability.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries, such as those experienced in soccer, hockey, and football, can also lead to diffuse axonal injury. Even with protective headgear, the force of the impact can cause extensive damage to nerve fibres.
What Are The Symptoms Of Diffuse Axonal Injury?
The symptoms of DAI vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
Loss of Consciousness
Suffering a loss of consciousness is one of the main signs of a diffuse axonal injury. This can range from a brief period of unconsciousness to an extended coma.
Headache
Headaches are often present in those who have experienced a DAI and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, particularly if this seems uncontrollable.
Confusion & Disorientation
Diffuse axonal injury may cause confusion and disorientation. This can range from mild confusion to complete memory loss and a lack of understanding of basic concepts.
Physical Injuries
DAI can also cause physical injuries, such as paralysis or loss of sensation in the limbs. This is a result of the extensive damage done to nerve fibres in the brain.
Cognitive Impairment
Those suffering from a diffuse axonal injury may also suffer from cognitive impairments, such as difficulty understanding concepts, decreased problem-solving skills, and difficulty with speech. This can be especially true in cases of severe DAI.
Behavioural Changes
DAI can also cause changes in behaviour, such as mood swings, impulsiveness, and difficulty controlling emotions.
How Is Diffuse Axonal Injury Diagnosed?
DAI is typically diagnosed using imaging scans, such as an MRI or CT scan. These scans will be able to detect the shearing of nerve fibres in the brain, as well as any bleeding or swelling that may have occurred.
In addition, a neurological assessment and neuropsychological assessment may be conducted to determine the extent of cognitive impairment. This can involve cognitive tests, as well as an assessment of physical injuries and behavioural and emotional changes.
How Is Diffuse Axonal Injury Treated?
Treatment for DAI typically involves supportive care and rehabilitation. Medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling, manage pain, and control seizures.
Experts may also recommend physical therapy to help to improve coordination and balance, as well as strengthen weakened muscles.
In addition, cognitive rehabilitation may be necessary to help improve cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, language, and memory skills. Behavioural therapy may also be helpful in managing changes in behaviour.
Diffuse Axonal Injury Claims
If you have suffered a diffuse axonal injury as the result of another person or party’s negligence, you may be eligible to contact a personal injury lawyer Hamilton and make a personal injury claim. This could involve receiving compensation for medical bills and treatments, lost wages if you cannot work, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In order to make a successful claim, it is important that you have evidence proving that the other party was at fault for your injuries – an experienced brain injury lawyer Hamilton will be able to assist you in gathering the evidence you need for diffuse axonal, injury claims, and building a strong case.
Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer in Hamilton
If you or someone you love has suffered a diffuse axonal injury, contact a personal injury lawyer in Hamilton immediately to discuss your case. Here at Virk Personal Injury Law, our team will be able to help you gather the evidence needed to make a successful claim and get the compensation you deserve – get in touch today, and see how we can help