In vivo MRI and MRS of cerebrovascular function following traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability resulting in reduced quality of life for the patients and a significant economic burden to the society. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging techniques are enabling researchers to obtain critical insights into the pathophysiology of the TBI sequelae and also aiding clinicians in predicting long term outcome of TBI patients of all severities. Advanced MRI techniques are able to detect subtle changes in structural integrity of neural tissue as well as changes in functional neural networks. Multi-parametric approaches, including diffusion tensor imaging, functional MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and arterial spin labeling to non-invasively measure brain perfusion, show promise in detecting trauma-induced biophysical, biochemical and cerebrovascular alterations respectively. Together these techniques are bound to provide us with a better understanding of the sequelae of TBI non-invasively that may lead to better management of TBI patients.