If diffuse axonal injury (DAI) lasts more than 24 hours, it is coded to which section of the ISS?

For diffuse axonal injury (DAI) that lasts more than 24 hours, the correct coding is associated with severe head injury. This is because DAI is a complex injury typically resulting from acceleration-deceleration forces, which causes widespread damage to the brain's white matter. When such an injury persists beyond 24 hours, it indicates significant impairment and seriousness, aligning with the criteria for severe head injuries within the Injury Severity Score (ISS) framework.

Severe head injury encompasses a range of critical conditions that lead to substantial neurological deficits, which resonates with the severity and implications of prolonged DAI. This classification helps in medical management, injury assessment, and potential implications for rehabilitation and long-term care. In contrast, skull fractures, concussions, and contusions represent different categories with distinct characteristics that do not imply the same level of severity or long-term concerns associated with a diffuse axonal injury lasting more than a day.