acceleration-deceleration injury


acceleration-deceleration injury

Brain injury caused by blows, MVAs/RTAs, etc., which is a major cause of brain morbidity, resulting from the abrupt movement and deformation of the brain in the cranial cavity.
 
The immediate loss of consciousness that follows ADI is attributed to deformation of the brainstem and reticular activating system, with concomitant shearing, stretching, and diffuse neuronal and axonal injury; tissue destruction is greatest in the inferior frontal gyri and anterior temporal lobes.
Mechanisms
• Acceleration—The head suddenly accelerates (e.g., a blow to the head), and the stationary brain is struck by the accelerated cranium at the site of the blow; and
• Deceleration—A rapidly moving skull is abruptly stopped (e.g., an auto accident), while the brain continues forward and impacts directly below the site where the skull stops.

acceleration-deceleration injury

Emergency medicine Brain injury due to blows, MVAs, etc, which is a major cause of cerebral morbidity, related to abrupt movement and deformation of the brain in the cranial cavity

whip·lash in·ju·ry

(wip'lash in'jŭr-ē) An imprecise term for various injuries resulting from sudden and violent hyperextension of the head on the trunk, followed by hyperflexion, as in a motor vehicle collision. Can include fractures, subluxations, sprains, muscle strains, and cerebral concussion.
Synonym(s): acceleration-deceleration injury.