Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head experiences a strong impact, such as in a car accident or a fall. This force causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to damage of the axons—long nerve fibers that transmit signals between brain cells. DAI can disrupt communication throughout the brain, resulting in severe cognitive and physical impairments. Unlike some brain injuries, DAI is often not visible on standard imaging, making it more challenging to diagnose and understand the extent of the injury.