A normal neuron has a complete axon that allows the transmission of nerve signals to the downstream synapse with another nerve cell. Direct injury to a neuron can cause the axon to be severed so impulses will not be transmitted to the next neuron.  Diffuse axonal injury does not cause the axon to be severed immediately, but can cause axon swelling and ultimately axon degeneration.

Parent Topic: Neuron Injury
Topic Media ID: nml_0007