Acute Changes in the Resting Brain Networks in Concussion Patients: Small-World Topology Perspective
Hong-Mei Kuang1, Yan Chen1, Ji-Lan Huang1
1Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330000 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
|January 30, 2024
Summary
Concussion alters brain network topology, showing random and localized functional abnormalities. These changes, particularly in the default network, may drive cognitive and mood issues in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Network Science
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute changes in brain network topology following concussion are not well understood.
- Investigating small-world network organization in concussion patients is crucial for understanding persistent symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate acute changes in the small-world organization of brain networks in concussion patients.
- To determine the influence of these network changes on persistent post-concussion symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized complex network analysis based on graph theory to assess small-world network parameters.
- Employed computed tomography, MRI, susceptibility weighted imaging, and fMRI in 18 concussion patients and 18 controls.
- Assessed neurological status and post-concussion symptoms using the Glasgow Coma Scale and Rivermead Postconcussion Symptom Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Concussion patients exhibited slightly enhanced normalized cluster coefficient (γ) and small-world index (σ), with a shorter standardized minimum path (λ).
- Significant alterations in node counts and normalized clustering coefficients were observed in specific brain regions, including the frontal gyrus, globus pallidus, and temporal gyrus.
- Mean local effects were enhanced in some regions like the posterior cingulate gyrus and reduced in others like the inferior frontal gyrus.
Conclusions:
- Concussion leads to a trend of random network topology abnormalities with generalized and local functional deficits.
- Pronounced changes in the resting default network's function and affective circuitry are implicated as potential drivers of cognitive and mood disturbances post-concussion.
