Cortical functional connectivity following mild traumatic brain injury: A narrative review of applications

In this narrative review, we explore the insights from current research in functional neuroimaging following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with a specific focus on alterations in functional connectivity and its relationship to deficits in executive functioning. Secondly, we identify implications that changes in functional connectivity have for language processing and management of cognitive-communication disorders. The search included CINAHL, PubMed, and APA Psychinfo databases, including terms mTBI, functional connectivity, cognitive deficits, and associated functional imaging tools. After all exclusionary criteria were applied, 19 studies were included. This review shows that alterations in functional connectivity networks following mTBI are sensitive for presence of injury. However, the presentation appears widely heterogeneous as of this time, highlighting the need for further research, especially investigating differences of within-subject methods and between-subject/group comparisons. While functional magnetic resonance imaging is the most commonly applied resource, functional near-infrared spectroscopy has become an easily accessible alternative, which may prove more useful for future studies. The roles for neuroimaging technology and measurements of functional connectivity are continuing to take shape, and they will likely represent a significant step forward for more personalized and effective strategies in assessment and treatment of mTBI.