Diffuse Axonal Injuries. Every year, over a million people suffer a traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most serious types of injuries caused by car accidents. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, about 1.7 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries every year. While some people may recover from the injuries after extensive treatment, many die because of it. It is estimated that about 5.3 million people live with brain injury-related disabilities.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse axonal is a type of brain injury that refers to nerve damage to the brain and can occur even if the victim does not hit his or her head. A diffuse axonal injury occurs when the brain moves back and forth rapidly and violently in the skull. The rapid movement of the brain tissue can cause tearing or shearing of the nerve cells and white matter in the diffuse portion of the brain. This can break communication between the nerve cells, leading to loss of consciousness, coma, or even death. Imaging techniques such as CT scans and MRI are used to determine whether or not a person has suffered a diffuse axonal injury.

Diffuse Axonal Injury and Car Accidents

This type of injury can occur in any kind of auto accident that causes rapid acceleration or deceleration of the motor vehicle. Diffuse axonal injury is more likely to occur in a high-speed crash.

Prognosis of a Diffuse Axonal Injury

For anyone who suffers a serious diffuse axonal injury involving severe shearing and tearing of the white matter and nerve damage, the implications can be bad. The person who suffers diffuse axonal injury or any other traumatic brain injury may remain in a coma or even die. In case of mild or moderate injury, the person may require long-term treatment and rehabilitation such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and counseling.

Compensation for a Diffuse Axonal Injury

When a person suffers a diffuse axonal injury or any other type of traumatic brain injury in a car accident, the whole family is affected. It not only means that the person may never recover from the injury, but it also means that the family will be faced with huge medical bills and mental and emotional trauma. Financial matters are often worsened by the fact that the person may not be able to return to work and the loss of income combined with piling medical costs can leave the family in a huge financial turmoil.