MEG and DTI of Neural Function and Connectivity in Traumatic Brain Injury

University of California, San Francisco69 enrolled

Overview

The overall hypothesis is that the long-term cognitive and behavioral sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are due to selective disruption of the long association white matter tracts of the cerebral hemispheres, with resulting functional impairment of the network of cortical regions that are interconnected by these long-range association pathways. We propose that traumatic white matter injury can be measured with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and that the impaired cortical activation can be detected with magnetoencephalography (MEG), and that the results of these imaging examinations will correlate with neurocognitive status and functional recovery after TBI.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Traumatic Brain Injury Post-concussive Symptoms

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 50 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-50 years of age * single episode of blunt traumatic brain injury * symptoms of persistent post-concussive syndrome present an average of 4 months to 4 years since date of injury * fluency in English (cognitive battery not available in other languages) * capable of self-consent Exclusion Criteria: * \< 18 years or \> 50 years of age * pregnancy * history of previous TBI with loss of consciousness * alcoholism as evidenced by Audit questionnaire * regular use of illicit drugs * non-English fluency * significant psychiatric history excluding mild depression or anxiety disorder any contraindication to MRI, including claustrophobia, pregnancy, any trauma or surgery which may have left ferromagnetic material in the body, ferromagnetic implants or pacemakers; and inability to lie still for 1 hour or more

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Changes in white matter tract structure

We believe that brain injury results in selective disruption of the associative white matter tracts of the cerebral hemispheres, with resulting functional impairment of the network of cortical regions that are interconnected by these long-range association pathways. We propose that traumatic white matter injury can be measured with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We evaluate DTI using 3T and 7T MRI. Participants receive scans at only one time-point.

Time frame: up to 4 years following date of injury

Secondary Outcomes

Neurocognitive function

We hope to better understand the long-term cognitive and behavioral sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) by correlating neurocognitive testing data with imaging data. We will also compare neurocognitive testing data between patients and controls to help illustrate the impact of brain trauma on these neurocognitive symptoms. Our participants receive testing at only one time-point.

Time frame: up to 4 years following date of injury

Cortical activation

We believe that brain injury results in selective disruption of the associative white matter tracts of the cerebral hemispheres, with resulting functional impairment of the network of cortical regions that are interconnected by these long-range association pathways. We propose that impaired cortical activation can be detected with magnetoencephalography (MEG). We will compare patients' data with data of controls. Our participants are scanned at only one time-point.

Time frame: up to 4 years following date of injury

MEG and DTI of Neural Function and Connectivity in Traumatic Brain Injury

Overview

Conditions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes