Brain SPECT and Neuropsychological Examination in Patients with a History of Minor Craniocerebral Trauma Nine Years after Head Injury

Abstract

Focal perfusion deficits disclosed by single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) show more diffuse brain dysfunction than computed tomography (CT) examinations in case of head trauma. The aim of the study was to evaluate SPECT as an enhancing and complementary diagnostic method in patients after minor craniocerebral trauma (mCCT) and establish a possible correlation between clinical symptoms and disturbances of cerebral blood flow (CBF). SPECT examination and neuropsychological assessment was performed in seven patients about nine years after head injury, scoring 13-15 points on the Glasgow COMA SCALE and without evidence of structural brain damage. Neuropsychological assessment addressed global cognitive status, verbal and visual memory, working memory, object and space perception, executive function, self-assessment of memory, mood and health-related complaints. A direct relationship was shown between mCCT and the observed CBF disorders, and between the CBF disorders and cognitive dysfunction. Because of its sensitivity, SPECT, should be regarded as a method complementary to CT in mCCT.