Diffuse versus Focal Injuries:
“Contact phenomenon”, typically result in what is called a “focal” brain injury as opposed to a “diffuse” brain injury.
The term “diffuse” is used to describe the situation where the pathology is spread throughout the brain.
Focal Brain Injuries:
Focal injuries are typically large enough that they can be identified “macroscopically” (meaning without the use of a microscope) and diffuse injuries are typically microscopic.
Impact Phenomenon can result in the following focal injuries:
- Contusions on the surface of the brain;
- Hematoma, (a localized area of blood as a result of vessel leakage or bleeding);
- Epidural (above the dura – a collection of blood between the dura and the skull);
- Subdural (below the dura – a collection of blood between the dura and the brain);
- Intracerebral (a collection of blood within the brain.)
- The dura is the protective sheath around the brain, between the brain and the skull
- or intracerebral.
- Edema; Excessive water accumulation resulting in swelling.