Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
Traumatic Brain Injury ( TBI ) and Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) are closely related, with DAI being a significant pathological feature of TBI. Definition and Pathophysiology : TBI : Traumatic Brain Injury is an injury to the brain caused by an external force, which can result in temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions. DAI : Diffuse Axonal Injury is a type of brain injury characterized by widespread lesions in the white matter tracts. It occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull as an injury is occurring, leading to shearing forces that damage axons. Mechanism : DAI is typically caused by high-speed acceleration-deceleration forces, such as those experienced in car accidents or falls . These forces stretch and tear axons, disrupting communication between neurons. Clinical Presentation : Patients with DAI often present with a range of symptoms from mild confusion to coma , depending on the...