My 23 year old son has an axonal injury from car accident 1/21/13. CAT scan shows bruising in central area. He s been in a coma for 5 days and no reflexes. Liver and torn aorta valve were priority but not so much today. Can location of the brain injury prevent him from waking up? Dr said left side controls right side of body so...will he have any use of his right side or is it dependent on severity of injury? How and when will we know how much damage there is?
Hi, welcome to Chat Doctor.  Unfortunately atonal injury is the most severe form of brain injury. It is diffusely scattered in brain. It has grave prognosis. Furthermore, it will be difficult to say exact location at present.  We have to wait for few days until his consciousness come back. Then gradually exact nature will be identified.  Liver injury and torn aorta can be managed surgically depending on patient stability and opinion of surgical team. Hope for the best. Regards.