Neuroimaging of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Max Wintermark,David B. Douglas,Jonathan Muldermans,Thomas Toffoli,Ariana E. Anderson,Adam Dulberger,Bennet Krawchuk,Pamela K. Douglas,James Gullo,Tae Ro

doi:10.3390/medsci7010002

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review conventional and advanced neuroimaging techniques performed in the setting of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The primary goal for the treatment of patients with suspected TBI is to prevent secondary injury. In the setting of a moderate to severe TBI, the most appropriate initial neuroimaging examination is a noncontrast head computed tomography (CT), which can reveal life-threatening injuries and direct emergent neurosurgical intervention. We will focus much of the article on advanced neuroimaging techniques including perfusion imaging and diffusion tensor imaging and discuss their potentials and challenges. We believe that advanced neuroimaging techniques may improve the accuracy of diagnosis of TBI and improve management of TBI.

Highlights

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a “bump, blow or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury, that results in disruption of the normal function of the brain” [1]
TBIMultiple is a heterogenous pathology,perfusion so too are the seen patterns perfusion abnormalities seen throughout the brain [36,52,53,54,55,56,57]
Abnormal perfusion has been identified in the context of cerebral in TBI

Summary

Introduction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a “bump, blow or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury, that results in disruption of the normal function of the brain” [1]. Traumatic brain injury is major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and results from a wide range of injuries. Common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, assault, and sports-related injuries. Common causes include blast injuries and penetrating trauma [2,3,4,5]. The purpose of this article is to provide a review conventional diagnostic neuroimaging techniques and advanced neuroimaging techniques including perfusion imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as they apply to TBI.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion