Altered white matter integrity after mild to moderate traumatic brain injury

Abstract

(1) Background: White matter changes among individuals with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be sensitive imaging markers reflecting functional impairment, particularly in the context of post-concussion syndrome. The objective of this study was to examine the altered white matter integrity in mild-to-moderate TBI patients compared with age-matched normal controls. (2) Methods: Diffusion tensor imaging data from 15 individuals with TBI and 15 control subjects were retrospectively obtained. We investigated and compared white matter integrity in both groups, with regard to fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) and examined the relationship with cognitive dysfunction and impaired balance in patients. (3) Results: In comparison with controls, the TBI patients had significantly decreased FA as well as increased RD, in the right corticospinal tract. Decreased RD was observed in the left cerebellar area near the middle cerebellar peduncle. Decreased AD was observed in the left inferior cerebellar peduncle, showing positive correlation with poor balance control. We observed decreased FA and increased AD in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus showing positive and negative correlation, respectively, with cognitive function in the TBI group. (4) Conclusions: Altered white matter integrity in mild-to-moderate TBI cases may be indicative of cognitive dysfunction and impaired balance.