Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAIs) After a Kansas or Missouri Accident
Head and brain injuries are common car accident injuries that can result in long-term consequences for accident victims. Car accident victims who sustain a head injury can develop debilitating physical, emotional, and cognitive problems that impact their ability to work or resume normal daily activities. The financial and noneconomic damages from a head injury can be staggering.
It is important to understand the various types of head injuries that are common in crashes. Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs) are a common type of traumatic brain injury sustained in motor vehicle accidents. Our Kansas City brain injury attorneys assist car accident victims in filing injury claims for diffuse axonal injury and other brain injuries following a car, truck, motorcycle or other type of accident.
What is a Diffuse Axonal Injury?
A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a type of closed head injury. The brain “bounces” around within the skull because of the rapid backward or forward movement of the head caused by the impact of a collision. As the brain strikes the bony portions of the skull, the brain’s nerve fibers (axons) tear. The nerve fibers can be torn in multiple areas as the brain strikes the skull.
The sudden impact of the crash causes the primary injury, but second brain injury can occur for days after the wreck as the brain tissue continues to react to the sudden tearing and damage caused by the rotation of the brain within the skull.
Any type of accidents or car crashes can result in a DAI. However, car accidents that cause a person’s body to violently shift forward and backward increase the risk of diffuse axonal injury. For this reason, DAIs are especially common in serious front- or rear-end accidents.
Common Symptoms and Treatments for Diffuse Axonal Injury
The symptoms of diffuse axonal injury vary, depending on whether the DAI is mild, moderate, or severe.
The most common symptoms of mild diffuse axonal injury include headaches, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, and speech problems. A loss of consciousness is possible, but not required for a person to be suffering from DAI. Sensory symptoms such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and sensitivity to light and sound are also possible along with mood changes, memory problems, and feelings of being anxious.
In cases involving moderate to severe DAI, the victim may suffer from seizures, chronic headaches, loss of consciousness for several hours, profound confusion, repeated bouts of vomiting, inability to awaken from sleep, weakness in the extremities, loss of coordination, slurred speech, unusual behavior, and coma.
Treatment options depend on the severity of the diffuse axonal injury. Mild DAI is often treated with rest and a gradual return to normal daily activities. As the severity of the DAI increases, additional medical treatments may be necessary. Surgery and medications may be necessary to treat moderate to severe cases of DAI.
Long-Term Consequences & Complications of Diffuse Axonal Injuries
As with any brain injury, the risk for long-term disabilities and impairments can be substantial. The results of a diffuse axonal injury can include problems related to cognitive abilities, physical problems, sensory disorders, problems with communication and language, social difficulties, functional deficits, and personal or psychiatric disorders.
Individuals may require extensive physical, occupational, speech, cognitive, and rehabilitation therapies to overcome the consequences of a diffuse axonal injury. Many injury victims also require psychological counseling and therapy to deal with the aftermath of a brain injury. In some cases, the conditions may be permanent and require ongoing medical and personal care.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim for Diffuse Axonal Injury
The damages and losses associated with a brain injury can be significant. Financial damages, including medical expenses, personal care, and loss of income, can be extensive. The emotional distress and mental anguish caused by a brain injury can continue throughout a person’s lifetime as they struggle to deal with the loss of quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the brain injury.
A person who causes a car accident that results in a brain injury can be held liable for these damages. Filing a personal injury claim is the first step in recovering compensation for your losses. However, you must prove fault to prove liability for damages. A Kansas City car accident attorney can help.
Our attorneys investigate brain injury accidents to determine the cause and identify all parties responsible. By conducting exhaustive accident investigations, we gather the evidence necessary to hold the person who caused your brain injury liable for your damages and losses. At the same time, our legal team assists you in documenting your injuries and damages with the help of medical professionals and other experts so your medical and financial recovery is maximized for your personal injury claim.
Contact Our Kansas City Brain Injury Attorney
When you or a loved one sustain a brain injury in an accident, prompt and comprehensive medical care is the most important thing to pursue for maximum medical and legal recovery. The road to recovery after a brain injury can be confusing and overwhelming as you grapple with many questions about complex legal and medical issues.
Please know that you are not alone. Our Kansas City brain injury attorney has answers to the most common brain injury questions and can guide you through the process. We encourage you to seek legal advice from an experienced brain injury attorney to protect your right to receive compensation from the party responsible for your injury.
The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus represents brain injury and accident victims throughout Missouri and Kansas. Call us today at 816-203-0143 for a free consultation. We would be honored to assist you.
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