BRAIN SHEAR INJURIES/DIFFUSE ANONAL INJURIES A brain shearing injury, oŌen referred to as "diffuse axonal injury" (DAI), occurs when the brain experiences rapid acceleraƟon or deceleraƟon, leading to the shearing or tearing of the brain's axons. Axons are the long extensions of nerve cells that facilitate communicaƟon between different brain regions. Mechanisms of Diffuse axonal or brain shear injury or Brain Shear in Motor Vehicle Accidents: Rapid AcceleraƟon or DeceleraƟon : In a collision, the vehicle might come to a sudden stop, but the brain, suspended in cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull, conƟnues to move unƟl it strikes the interior of the skull. This rapid change in velocity can cause stretching and tearing of axons.
RotaƟonal Forces: If the impact causes the head to rotate abruptly or twist, the different layers of the brain can move at varied speeds due to their varying densiƟes. This differenƟal movement can lead to shearing forces that tear the axons. Symptoms and Effects of a Diffuse Axonal or Brain Shear Injury: Loss of Consciousness: Most individuals with DAI will lose consciousness. The duraƟon of unconsciousness oŌen correlates with the severity of the injury; prolonged unconsciousness or coma indicates a more severe DAI. CogniƟve Impairments: This can include problems with aƩenƟon, memory, and informaƟon processing. Motor Symptoms: This can range from mild coordinaƟon problems to severe motor impairment. Sensory Issues: Individuals might experience sensiƟvity to light or sound, or they might have difficulƟes with vision or hearing. EmoƟonal Changes: Mood swings, depression, irritability, or even personality changes can occur. Headaches: Persistent or recurring headaches are common. Signs to IdenƟfy a Diffuse Axonal or Brain Shear Injury: Physical Signs: Prolonged unconsciousness or coma.
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