Resting state functional connectivity responses post-mild traumatic brain injury: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Brain Injury Research

Background:

• Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are known to cause functional network connectivity alterations during recovery.
• The adaptive or maladaptive nature of these post-injury connectivity changes and the specific networks involved remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize findings on functional connectivity changes following mTBI.
• To evaluate the adaptive or maladaptive nature of these connectivity alterations by comparing them with behavioral data.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search and appraisal of methodological quality.
• Inclusion of 16 relevant articles for review.
• Analysis of reported functional connectivity changes and associated behavioral outcomes.

Main Results:

• Conflicting evidence exists regarding post-mTBI connectivity: 4 studies reported decreased connectivity, 6 reported increased connectivity, 5 reported mixed changes, and 1 found no difference.
• Supporting evidence suggests that increased connectivity in the frontoparietal, cerebellar, and default mode networks may be adaptive post-mTBI.

Conclusions:

• While some findings suggest adaptive increases in connectivity post-mTBI, the overall evidence is mixed.
• Further longitudinal research with standardized methodologies and controlled variables is crucial to understand mTBI neurophysiological recovery.