Detecting Epileptogenic Anatomical and Functional Brain Changes Due to Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health hazard for service members and veterans during times of both peace and war. TBI is one of the major causes of epilepsy, yet the link between TBI and posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is not well understood. Prediction and if possible, prevention of the development of PTE is a major unmet challenge. The goal of the proposed project is to use magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to identify changes in brain anatomy and function caused by TBI. By comparing these changes in TBI patients who develop PTE with those who do not, we hope to identify biomarkers indicating which TBI patients are at higher risk of developing epilepsy. This, in turn, could allow improved targeting of preventive care in veterans. To achieve this goal, we will analyze data from a large study of military personnel with TBI conducted at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. We will apply novel methods we have developed for quantifying local structural changes in the brain based on warping of an anatomical MR image of the subject to a standard brain atlas. Similarly, we will use novel approaches to synchronizing spontaneous brain activity measured using functional MRI, in order to identify regions in the brain whose connections to the rest of the brain differ from those in the general population. By using spatial statistical analysis, we will then identify those regions, and combinations of regions, in the brain where these structural and functional changes are most strongly correlated with the onset of PTE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810614
Entities
People
- Anand A Joshi
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Southern California