An fMRI Study of TBI Associated with Blast Injury

Abstract : Blast-induced neurotrauma is not well documented in medical research literature, partly because conventional brain imaging techniques provide sparse information concerning the neural substrate of associated deficits and implications for rehabilitation. Novel brain imaging techniques provide promise for increasing neuroimaging sensitivity in this patient population. Specifically, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) represent opportunities for enhancing utility of imaging in the study of this injury, including rehabilitation. Using fMRI, we are conducting an observational study to characterize the pattern of brain activation during performance of cognitive control and working memory tasks in service personnel with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and severe TBI imaged between 3 and 42 months after injury. DTI is applied as a method of enhanced assessment of the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive and behavioral sequelae of TBI in this patient population.