Structural neuroimaging in sport-related concussion
1Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA; Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
Summary
Advanced neuroimaging detects subtle brain changes after sports-related concussions (SRC) that standard imaging misses. Quantitative MRI and multimodal approaches offer a more detailed assessment of brain structure and network integrity following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Sports-related concussions (SRC) are common in athletes.
- Conventional neuroimaging (CT, MRI) often shows normal findings in SRC.
- Subtle neuropathology may be missed by standard clinical imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review conventional and advanced neuroimaging methods for assessing structural brain changes after SRC.
- To highlight the role of quantitative neuroimaging in detecting subtle injuries.
- To discuss neuroanatomical principles relevant to SRC.
Main Methods:
- Review of structural neuroimaging techniques in sports-related concussion.
- Focus on conventional CT and MRI versus advanced quantitative MRI methods.
- Integration of neuroanatomical principles with advanced imaging metrics (volume, shape, diffusion).
Main Results:
- Conventional CT/MRI detect gross pathologies (hematomas, contusions, fractures) but often yield negative findings in SRC.
- Advanced MRI techniques provide quantitative metrics for fine-grained structural analysis.
- Multimodality approaches are crucial for assessing white matter and network integrity post-SRC.
Conclusions:
- Advanced neuroimaging holds promise for detecting subtle neuropathology in SRC.
- Quantitative and multimodal imaging approaches enhance the assessment of brain structure after mild traumatic brain injury.
- Integration with functional neuroimaging may offer superior evaluation of SRC effects.
