Health Information : Diffuse Head Injuries/ Diffuse Axonal Injury

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What are Diffuse Head Injuries?

Diffuse Head Injury is a type of traumatic head injury that is characterised by microscopic damage caused throughout many areas of the brain. These injuries often result from acceleration/deceleration injuries. When rotational forces are exerted on the brain tissues, axons (wires that enable nerve cells to communicate with each other) get damaged.

What are the causes of Diffuse Head Injuries?

The main causes of Diffuse Head Injuries include:

• Automobile accidents
• Sports-related accidents
• Violence
• Falls
• Child abuse such as shaking the baby violently

What are the symptoms of Diffuse Head Injuries?

The most important symptoms that appear during Diffuse Head Injuries are as per depending on severity of injury

1. Memory loss
2. Confused state of mind
3. Disorientation
4. Concentration problems
5. Dizziness
6. Mood swings
7. Nausea
8. Severe headache
9. Weakness
10. Unconsciousness
11. Coma

How can Diffuse Head Injuries be treated?

The treatment for Diffuse Head Injuries depends on the severity of the injury. In case, it is mild or moderate, your doctor may give you medications to reduce swelling and inflammation. Once the patient wakes up and stabilizes, then other treatment methods can be recommended that include:

• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Counselling

For severe cases, surgery may be recommended.