Focal Brain Injuries

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
• Hemorrhage;
  • Epidural,
  • subdural
  • or intracerebral.
• Edema; Excessive water accumulation resulting in swelling.