Diffuse axonal injury: What is the head injury Jules Bianchi suffered?

Bianchi's family have confirmed that he suffered a diffuse axonal injury in the heavy collision between his Marussia and a recovery vehicle

Marussia driver Jules Bianchi was taken to hospital unconscious following a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix (PA)

Jules Bianchi’s family have confirmed in a statement that the 25-year-old Marussia driver suffered a “diffuse axonal injury” to the head in his heavy crash during the Japanese Grand Prix, where he veered off tract and collided with a recovery vehicle.

A diffuse axonal injury is one of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries, of which ’90 per cent of sufferers do not wake up from’.

According to medical journals, a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a common result of a traumatic acceleration/deceleration or rotational injury.

They are a frequent cause of persistent vegetative state in patients and is a common injury suffered by victims of high-speed motor vehicle accidents.

DAI represent approximately one half of all intra-axial traumatic lesions, which is also the most significant cause of morbidity in patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries.

Any patient suffering from a closed head injury who experiences extensive loss of consciousness and neurological deficits warrants neuroimaging.

Bianchi’s family remain hopeful that he can make a full recovery from his severe injuries.