Diffuse axonal injuries: pathophysiology and imaging

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is the sequela of shear-strain injury to the brain, and occurs in almost half of serious traumatic brain injuries, both in adults and children. This article discusses the mechanism and pathophysiology of axonal shear injury as well as the clinical presentation and prognostic factors of DAI patients. The different imaging modalities are discussed, with emphasis on both classical and new modalities.