Northridge Diffuse Axonal Injury Lawyers
Diffuse Axonal Injury
What is diffuse axonal injury?
It is a kind of brain damage that results from the secondary effects of a primary or focal impact. When an object hits the head or the head strikes an object with sufficient force, this causes the brain essentially to slosh back and forth. This in turn causes the axons in the nerve cells in the brain to tear apart, and it disrupts their ability to send electrochemical messages.
Axon tearing can in turn lead to lesions in the brain. In addition, dead brain cells will release chemicals into the cerebrospinal fluid that can exacerbate the injury and/or cause additional complications. Finally, diffuse axonal injury may lead to swelling in the head, which can further compromise a victim and cause additional complications, such as hemorrhaging and aneurysm.
What causes diffuse axonal injury?
Sharp focal blows to the head can cause diffuse axonal injuries, as just discussed. However, it can result from non-impact trauma, as well. For instance, a driver involved in a high speed auto accident may still suffer diffuse axonal injuries due to whiplash, even if the driver's head does not physically strike any objects in the vehicle.
How is diffuse axonal injury diagnosed?
Often, victims of diffuse axonal injury are rendered unconscious, so physicians must employ a battery of tools to identify the nature of the damage. These tests include electroencephalogram (EEG), CAT Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and evoked potentials tests.
What kinds of therapies are available for people recovering from diffuse axonal injury?
Treatment depends sensitively on factors such as the nature and severity of the injury and the patient's overall health and disposition. Common therapies include speech and physical therapies, training to use adaptive equipment, and psychological and occupational therapy.
For assistance with any legal questions about diffuse axonal injury, contact the brain injury lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm at 818-886-6600 for immediate assistance. We can provide a free and confidential case evaluation for you.