# A Case Report Emphasizing an Early Approach in a Patient With Diffuse Axonal Injury

## TL;DR

This case report describes the treatment of a young man with diffuse axonal injury following a bike accident, highlighting physiotherapy's role in improving recovery.

## Contribution

The report emphasizes an early integrative physiotherapy approach to improve functional outcomes in diffuse axonal injury patients.

## Key findings

- The patient showed improvement in functional independence through consistent physiotherapy.
- Combining techniques like joint approximation and PNF helped enhance recovery.
- Outcome measures like FIM and GCS were used to track progress.

## Abstract

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a severe and frequently life-altering form of traumatic brain injury that is brought on by forces of rapid acceleration as well as deceleration impacting the brain. DAI primarily stems from mechanical forces that lead to the widespread disruption of axons throughout the brain. Unlike focal injuries that affect a specific brain region, DAI manifests as multifocal axonal damage, often impairing vital neural connections. This injury occurs due to shear and tensile forces during traumatic events, such as car accidents, falls, and sports-related incidents. This current case report includes a 19-year-old male who had a fall from his bike and was hospitalised with brain trauma. A Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was done, which revealed a case of DAI, and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain revealed the extra-calvarial soft tissue swelling in the left parietal region. Small haemorrhagic contusions involved the right ganglio-capsular region. Several integrative techniques, including joint approximation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) rhythmic initiation, D1 flexion-extension, and patient education, were used to manage the patient. The patient's development was evaluated using outcome measures, such as the functional independence measure (FIM) and the Glasgow coma scale (GCS). Thus, we conclude that completing physiotherapy exercises consistently helps patients achieve their highest level of functional independence and also enhances their quality of life.