Nerve cells in the brain communicate with other, distant, nerve cells through fibers called ‘axons.’ These axons make up the brain’s white matter. In cases of a whiplash accident, these fibers can twist, stretch or become damaged When these axonal fibers are damaged, doctors refer to the injury as a Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI). DAIs are usually caused by severe whiplash injuries, and the patient often becomes comatose.