Characterization of bilateral frontal lobe cerebral oxygen saturation in patients with mild traumatic brain injury

Abstract

BackgroundThere is clear evidence of the potential for long-term neuro behavioral and cognitive sequelae following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Although the source of these persistent behavioral and cognitive issues is unclear, several studies have suggested a cerebral vascular disorder is a likely contributor. PurposeMeasure and compare cerebral blood oxygen saturation values in frontal brain lobes of subjects with and without a history of mTBI. MethodsBilateral frontal brain lobe blood oxygen saturation was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy in mTBI and non-brain injured subjects while alternately breathing room air and a mildly hypoxic gas mixture. ResultsSubjects with a history of mTBI displayed a significantly different trajectory of change in their cerebral oxygen saturation values during exposure to mild hypoxia compared to controls. DiscussionThe finding confirms and adds to previous research that indicates there is likely a vascular component to this mild form of brain injury.