Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Difficulty In Opening Eyes While Recovering From Diffuse Axonal Injury?
Question: Hi, I have a nephew that was injured in cycle accident and diagnosed with DAI brain injury. It has been a few days and has spoken. Saying he is thirsty etc. He has recognized voices but never opening eyes like he is truly awake. Is this typical or is there any way to tell from this what type of prognosis he has.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about what has happened to your nephew.
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) indicates a widespread damage to the nerve fibers. It can have different scales, from mild to very severe one, so what is typical or not depends on the extent of damage, if severe may remain in a coma, while if mild may show not much impairment at all. The brain imaging he must have had CT/MRI should give some indication as to the extent of the damage and prognosis.
Regarding clinical evaluation, especially in these early days, consciousness is one of the most important indicators. It is evaluated by elements such as his eye opening, obeying commands and communication. From your description while consciousness is impaired, still not opening his eyes, he seems to be communicating, able to formulate basic needs and understand. So it seems that it is not the case of a very severe damage, but rather a moderate one. The fact that there is improvement after only a few days is positive, remember that recovery is a gradual process which happens over the course of months, so certainly further improvement is expected and it can be hoped to return to a life without significant disability.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about what has happened to your nephew.
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) indicates a widespread damage to the nerve fibers. It can have different scales, from mild to very severe one, so what is typical or not depends on the extent of damage, if severe may remain in a coma, while if mild may show not much impairment at all. The brain imaging he must have had CT/MRI should give some indication as to the extent of the damage and prognosis.
Regarding clinical evaluation, especially in these early days, consciousness is one of the most important indicators. It is evaluated by elements such as his eye opening, obeying commands and communication. From your description while consciousness is impaired, still not opening his eyes, he seems to be communicating, able to formulate basic needs and understand. So it seems that it is not the case of a very severe damage, but rather a moderate one. The fact that there is improvement after only a few days is positive, remember that recovery is a gradual process which happens over the course of months, so certainly further improvement is expected and it can be hoped to return to a life without significant disability.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
