Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of accident-related hospitalizations in the United States. These injuries can be especially challenging to diagnose and treat because the specific nature and severity of the brain injury will have a major impact on the prognosis. Notably, there are different types of brain injuries. With diffuse axonal injuries being amongst the most frightening. Here, our Kansas City traumatic brain injury attorney provides an overview of diffuse axonal injury, including the diagnosis, common symptoms, treatment, and your right to bring a legal claim.
Diffuse Axonal Injury: Defined
Johns Hopkins Medicine defines a diffuse axonal injury as a brain injury that involves “the shearing (tearing) of the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers (axons).” In other words, the force of an accident tears the brain’s white matter. It causes major damage. Unfortunately, a diffuse axonal injury can lead to widespread brain damage and even cause permanent impairments.
Common Symptoms Associated With a Diffuse Axonal Injury
A diffuse axonal injury disrupts the brain’s normal function by damaging the long connecting fibers (axons). It is always a serious injury. With that being said, the symptoms of diffuse axonal injury will vary depending on the severity and the brain areas affected. There can be physical, cognitive, and emotional adverse effects. Some common symptoms associated with this injury include:
- Loss of consciousness;
- Persistent headache;
- Confusion/disorientation (“Brain Fog”);
- Dizziness and balance problems;
- Nausea and vomiting; and
- Short-term memory loss.
Of course, these are only the initial symptoms. In severe cases, a diffuse axonal injury may result in devastating neurological impairments, including paralysis, difficulties in speech and language, changes in sensory perception, and many other issues.
A Diffuse Axonal Injury Requires Comprehensive Care
Every head injury—whether from a motor vehicle collision or a slip and fall accident—should be taken seriously. Diffuse axonal injuries require immediate medical attention. A proper diagnosis, a well-crafted treatment plan, and proactive rehabilitative care are a must.
Recovering Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
After suffering a diffuse axonal injury or other type of brain injury, the road to recovery can be long, daunting, and frustrating. Your accident requires a thorough investigation by a top Kansas City personal injury lawyer who will help you gather the evidence to prove liability and damages. Depending on the nature and severity of your diffuse axonal injury, compensation may be recovered for:
- Emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Mental health support;
- Loss of wages;
- Diminishment of earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Permanent impairment; and
- Wrongful death.
Get Legal Help From Our Kansas City TBI Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City personal injury lawyer handles the full range of traumatic brain injury cases. If you or your loved one was diagnosed with a diffuse axonal injury, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, completely confidential case review. With a law office in Kansas City, we handle brain injury cases in Missouri and Kansas, as well as across the country.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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