Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) are also known as what type of injury?

Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) primarily occur due to injuries that cause widespread damage to the brain's white matter. This type of injury is characterized by the shearing of axons, which are the long, thread-like extensions of nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system. When the brain undergoes rapid acceleration and deceleration, such as in a vehicular accident or violent shaking, the axons can become stretched and torn, leading to the term "white matter shearing."

Collectively, this injury can result in significant neurological impairment, as it disrupts the normal communication pathways between different parts of the brain. The features of DAI are particularly important in understanding the dynamics of traumatic brain injuries and developing appropriate treatment strategies.