What is a Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)?

A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a type of brain injury that involves the tearing of axons, which are long connecting fibers in the brain. If you or a loved one has suffered a DAI in a car accident, truck collision, or another type of incident, learning about this type of injury can aid in the recovery process.

Hiring an Albany brain damage lawyer can also help your recovery, as an experienced attorney can pursue compensation for your medical bills, long-term treatment costs, and any other financial losses or challenges you’re facing. Let’s take a closer look at DAIs and how a lawyer can support you during this difficult time.

Understanding What a Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) Is

As mentioned above, diffuse axonal injury refers to when axons in the brain are torn. This type of injury occurs when the brain is shaken or rotated due to strong physical forces, like the impact of an auto accident. 

When the brain’s axons are torn, it can disrupt the communication and chemical signals that normally take place in the organ. A DAI can result in a coma as well as injury to many other parts of the brain. DAIs are grouped into three different grades which signify the severity of the injury.

Grade one DAIs are mild, grade two are moderate, and grade three are severe. Even a mild DAI can result in long-term effects that make life difficult. If your loved one has sustained a DAI in an accident caused by another person, you’ll want to hire a skilled lawyer and file a claim for compensation. 

Diffuse Axonal Injury Symptoms

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident that occurred at high speeds, you’ll want to seek medical treatment right away. A medical professional can assess your injuries, diagnose your condition, and prescribe treatment.

In addition to seeking care from a doctor, you’ll also want to look out for the following DAI symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Trouble sleeping
• Impaired balance
• Fatigue and drowsiness

These symptoms are typically associated with mild DAIs. More severe symptoms involve fast heart rate, hyperthermia, and coma. If you or a loved one notice any of these symptoms after a car wreck, seek care from a trusted medical provider right away. Your doctor can explain what a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is further and provide the treatment you need. 

Treatments for Diffuse Axonal injuries

Emergency DAI care involves maintaining the patient’s blood pressure, keeping their airways open, and providing ventilation. Once a patient has received emergency care, long-term treatment may include medication and surgery.

Patients who experience severe DAIs rarely come out of their coma in the first year after their injury. That said, if they do regain consciousness, they may need speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The Importance of Hiring a Brain Damage Lawyer

Treatment for brain damage can be incredibly expensive, and even those who respond well to treatment may require ongoing care. These injuries also have a significant impact on quality of life and often restrict the patient’s ability to complete daily tasks and earn a living.

If your loved one has suffered a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in an accident caused by another person, you deserve a fair brain injury settlement. A skilled lawyer can gather evidence, build a strong claim or civil suit, and fight for the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Long-term care costs
• Cost of physical therapy and other required therapies
• Property damage expenses
• Lost wages
• Decreased earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages, if your loved one has passed away due to a DAI

Understanding what a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is and hiring an experienced attorney are two steps you’ll want to take to help your loved one deal with this challenging injury. A lawyer can offer compassionate legal support throughout the claims process and handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Albany Brain Damage Lawyer

A brain injury can present a number of serious challenges and may even lead to loss of life. If your loved one or spouse has suffered brain damage or a fatal brain injury, the team at Morelli Law Firm is here to offer the support and legal advocacy you need to handle this difficult period in your life.

Our firm has over 40 years of combined experience and has won over $1 billion in case results. You can count on our team to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, learn more about what a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is, and get started on your case.