Neural and Behavioral Sequelae of Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a common occurrence from roadside blasts of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In the proposed cross-sectional study, we aim to apply neurobehavioral testing and advanced MRI techniques [task-activated functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)] to gain a comprehensive understanding of the neural changes underlying blast-related MTBI. We will accomplish this goal by conducting advanced neuroimaging (task-activated fMRI and DTI fiber tracking) and neurobehavioral testing (computerized assessment and standard neuropsychological testing) on 60 chronic trauma patients: 15 military MTBI patients who have experienced blast injuries, 15 civilian MTBI patients with mechanical closed head injuries, 15 military and 15 civilian patients with orthopedic injuries. Year one of the project has been devoted to the development of the necessary infrastructure for the execution of this complex multisite study. A number of development tasks have been undertaken, including hiring and training staff and personnel for the study, developing the cognitive and computational neuropsychological tasks, developing the functional imaging tasks and scanning protocols, and developing the avenues for recruitment of subjects. All of these goals have been accomplished and the accrual of subjects is beginning. We are satisfied that we are beginning the accrual of data that will be of high reliability and integrity. Over the next two years, we will enroll the planned 120 subjects across the two study sites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA514612
Entities
People
- Stephen M Rao