CC | Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

According to your sources, Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) is widespread axonal damage caused by the physical forces of a mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)[1].

Physical Mechanism

• Traumatic Impact Forces: DAI occurs due to the tensile forces of trauma sustained during a head injury[1].
• Cellular Progression: Rather than immediate shearing or tearing of the axon at the moment of impact, the trauma alters axonal functioning[1]. This leads to progressive axonal swelling and disconnection over a 12- to 24-hour period (or longer)[1].

Common Causes of Head Injuries & TBIs

Because DAI is a generalized form of TBI resulting from traumatic impact, it stems from the common causes of head trauma[1][2]:

• Motor vehicle accidents (most common)[2]
• Falls (most common)[2]
• Sports-related trauma[2]
• Assaults[2]
• Firearms[2]
• Recreational injuries[2]
• War-related injuries