Axonal shearing, or diffuse axonal injury (DAI), is one of the most serious types of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It occurs when rapid acceleration, deceleration, or rotational forces cause the brain to shift within the skull. This motion stretches or tears nerve fibers—known as axons—that connect different brain regions. Luckily, a New Orleans traumatic brain injury lawyer from Mike Brandner Law can help with what comes next.
Unlike skull fractures or brain bleeds, axonal shearing is microscopic. That means the damage can be devastating, even when imaging scans look “normal.” Call us today at 504-345-1111 to get started.
Why Axonal Shearing Is Often Missed
After a severe accident, a CT scan is typically the first imaging test performed. However, CT scans mainly detect bleeding or swelling, not the microscopic damage caused by shearing forces.
A normal brain MRI likewise does not detect a DAI. MRIs with special sequences, however, do detect DAI, but medical doctors and other medical professionals typically do not order these specific MRIs.
As a result, many victims with DAI may appear to have no major brain injury on imaging—yet still experience confusion, cognitive problems, or even coma.
How Doctors Diagnose Axonal Shearing
1. Clinical Evaluation
Physicians first assess:
- The mechanism of injury (such as high-speed collisions or falls)
- The patient’s level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale
- Neurological function, including reflexes, pupil response, and motor skills
Prolonged unconsciousness or abnormal responses often raise suspicion of diffuse axonal injury.
2. MRI Scans
MRIs with the following specialized sequences are the gold standard for detecting DAI. Specialized MRI sequences reveal the subtle damage invisible on CT scans and regular brain MRIs:
- T2-weighted and FLAIR scans show white-matter lesions
- Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) detects tiny hemorrhages
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) measures white-matter integrity and identifies torn axons
3. Emerging Biomarkers
In addition to imaging, researchers are developing blood tests that measure brain proteins like neurofilament light chain (NfL) and GFAP, which rise after axonal damage.
Why It Matters in a Legal Claim
In personal injury cases, diffuse axonal injuries can have life-changing consequences—even if they’re not immediately visible. Victims may face:
- Permanent cognitive or behavioral impairments
- Loss of income and independence
- Ongoing rehabilitation needs
Proper medical testing and documentation of DAI are crucial for establishing the extent of injury and obtaining fair compensation.
Get Legal Help after a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a head injury in an accident, it’s important to act quickly. Hidden brain injuries like axonal shearing may not appear right away—but the effects can last a lifetime.Contact a New Orleans personal injury lawyer from Mike Brandner Law today for a free consultation. Our team works with medical experts to help you get the care and compensation you deserve. Give us a call at (504) 345-1111 to get started. You can also reach us via LiveChat or use our secure online contact form to get in touch.