Diffuse Axonal Injury

Sports-related closed-head injuries essentially follow the same clinical spectrum as is seen in nonathletic closed-head injuries. Injuries range from the common cerebral concussion, a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), to the most severe, diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Though severe closed-head injuries are relatively rare in organized athletics, occasionally tremendous force transfers will occur between players involved in a collision. The impact can result in massive structural damage to the brain, clinically manifested as prolonged loss of consciousness or even coma.