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Diffuse Axonal Injury Treatment in Brooklyn, NYC & NJ

Sometimes, some of the worst injuries are those that you can’t see. Such is the case with a diffuse axonal injury. It’s a condition caused by a severe shaking of your brain within your skull. You may or may not have any outward injuries or abrasions, but the symptoms are clear to experts who specialize in neurological conditions and treatments of the brain. In NY and NJ, call those trained physicians at Neuro Injury Specialists. They know what to look for and how to treat DAI to reduce the odds of having long-term symptoms.

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    What Is Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)?

    Diffuse Axonal InjuryDiffuse axonal injury (DAI), often referred to as a closed head injury, develops when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull due to a sudden impact or force, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This shift causes the long nerve fibers, called axons, to stretch and tear, disrupting the communication and function of different brain regions. DAI causes severe symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, coma, cognitive impairment, behavioral changes and even death.

    Treatment for diffuse axonal injury requires experience and expertise from talented specialists who understand the complexity and severity of this condition. The doctors of Neuro Injury Specialists  in NY and NJ are board-certified physicians with extensive experience and training in neurology, pain management, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Mark Cohen, Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin and Dr. Leon Reyfman provide the best diagnosis, effective diffuse axonal brain injury treatment and recovery options, using the latest techniques and technologies.

    What Are the Signs I May Need Diffuse Axonal Injury Treatment?

    The signs of diffuse axonal injury vary depending on the severity of the damage to the brain. These signs may not appear immediately after the head injury, but may develop gradually over hours, days or weeks. These signs also appear for other types of traumatic brain injury  so it’s best to see a neurologist for proper diagnostic tests and firm treatment plan.

    One of the most apparent signs is physical changes, such as weakness, numbness, spasticity or paralysis of limbs. The loss of consciousness for more than six hours is a sign that the condition is life threatening because it may lead to coma or persistent vegetative state.

    Other signs include:

    • Cognitive impairment, such as problems with attention, concentration, reasoning or problem-solving
    • Behavioral changes, such as irritability, aggression, impulsivity or depression
    • Sensory changes, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears or loss of smell or taste
    • Speech and language difficulties, such as slurred speech, aphasia or dysarthria
    • Seizures or abnormal movements
    Diffuse Axonal Injury Treatment in Brooklyn

    What Are the Complications of Untreated DAI?

    DAI has devastating consequences if left untreated, sometimes leading to death. These complications lower your well-being in the long-term. They also affect the way of life for your family and caregivers.

    Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of recovery and reduce the severity of the damage. Otherwise, there are irreversible and fatal consequences like brain death, which means you have no brain activity and can’t breathe or maintain blood pressure without life support.

    Other complications include:

    • Permanent coma or vegetative state causing unawareness of the surroundings and no signs of cognitive function
    • Severe cognitive impairment, which means there’s difficulty with memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving and other mental functions
    • Severe behavioral impairment with changes in personality, mood, emotions and social skills
    • Severe physical impairment causing weakness, numbness, spasticity, or paralysis of limbs, as well as sensory, speech and language problems

    What Is the Available Treatment for Diffuse Axonal Injury?

    There is no specific treatment for diffuse axonal injury. But there are some interventions that reduce the complications and improve recovery. The current treatments and therapies for DAI are aimed at minimizing the damage, maximizing the recovery and optimizing your outcomes.

    The best diffuse axonal injury treatment plan is individualized and multidisciplinary, involving a team of medical and rehabilitation professionals who work together with you and your family and caregivers.

    The approach for diffuse axonal injury treatment includes:

    • Medical management. This involves stabilizing the vital signs, preventing infections, reducing brain swelling and pressure and controlling seizures and pain. Medications such as corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants and analgesics may be used for this purpose. Sometimes, a surgical procedure called decompressive craniectomy may be performed to remove a part of the skull and allow the brain to expand and prevent brain edema.
    • This involves restoring the functions and skills that are affected by DAI, such as cognition, behavior, communication, mobility and activities of daily living. Depending on your needs and goals, rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy and psychotherapy.
    • Assistive devices and technologies. These are tools that help you perform tasks and activities more independently and safely. They may include wheelchairs, walkers, braces, splints, hearing aids, glasses, communication devices and computer software. Assistive devices and technologies also enhance your participation and social integration.

    Diffuse axonal injury is a serious brain injury that causes severe symptoms and complications. It causes irreversible brain damage, a vegetative state and death. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment from experts who provide the best care and recovery options.

    Neuro Injury Specialists in New Jersey and New York offer the best diagnosis and treatment for diffuse axonal injury using the latest medical technologies. They help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life after DAI, using a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. Don’t wait any longer. Contact Neuro Injury Specialists today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen, Dr. Dvoskin or Dr. Reyfman.