Partial interruption of axonal transport due to microtubule breakage accounts for the formation of periodic varicosities after traumatic axonal injury

► Diffuse axonal injury results in transport interruption observed as varicosities along axons. ► Using a model of axonal stretch injury the mechanism of axonal varicosity formation was examined. ► Individual microtubule breakage results in partial transport interruption and varicose swelling. ► Similar varicosities found in humans indicate primary microtubule failure may be a feature of DAI.