MEG and DTI of Neural Function and Connectivity in Traumatic Brain Injury

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The overall hypothesis is that the long-term cognitive and behavioral sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are due to selective disruption of the long association white matter tracts of the cerebral hemispheres, with resulting functional impairment of the network of cortical regions that are interconnected by these long-range association pathways. We propose that traumatic white matter injury can be measured with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and that the impaired cortical activation can be detected with magnetoencephalography (MEG), and that the results of these imaging examinations will correlate with neurocognitive status and functional recovery after TBI.

Official Title
-----------------
Magnetoencephalography and High-Field Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Neural Function and Connectivity in Traumatic Brain Injury

Conditions
-----------------
Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-concussive Symptoms

Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: 18-50 years of age single episode of blunt traumatic brain injury symptoms of persistent post-concussive syndrome present an average of 4 months to 4 years since date of injury fluency in English (cognitive battery not available in other languages) capable of self-consent Exclusion Criteria: < 18 years or > 50 years of age pregnancy history of previous TBI with loss of consciousness alcoholism as evidenced by Audit questionnaire regular use of illicit drugs non-English fluency significant psychiatric history excluding mild depression or anxiety disorder any contraindication to MRI, including claustrophobia, pregnancy, any trauma or surgery which may have left ferromagnetic material in the body, ferromagnetic implants or pacemakers; and inability to lie still for 1 hour or more

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Traumatic brain injured patients<br>This group consists of participants who suffered a traumatic brain injury an average of 4 months to 4 years prior to testing. Patients must not have history of prior head injury, substance abuse, psychiatric illness, or contraindications to MRI. | |
| Controls (no traumatic brain injury)<br>This group consists of participants who do not have a history of brain trauma. Furthermore, controls must not suffer from substance abuse, psychiatric illness, or have contraindications to the MRI. | |

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in white matter tract structure | We believe that brain injury results in selective disruption of the associative white matter tracts of the cerebral hemispheres, with resulting functional impairment of the network of cortical regions that are interconnected by these long-range association pathways. We propose that traumatic white matter injury can be measured with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We evaluate DTI using 3T and 7T MRI. Participants receive scans at only one time-point. | up to 4 years following date of injury | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Neurocognitive function | We hope to better understand the long-term cognitive and behavioral sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) by correlating neurocognitive testing data with imaging data. We will also compare neurocognitive testing data between patients and controls to help illustrate the impact of brain trauma on these neurocognitive symptoms. Our participants receive testing at only one time-point. | up to 4 years following date of injury | 
| Cortical activation | We believe that brain injury results in selective disruption of the associative white matter tracts of the cerebral hemispheres, with resulting functional impairment of the network of cortical regions that are interconnected by these long-range association pathways. We propose that impaired cortical activation can be detected with magnetoencephalography (MEG). We will compare patients' data with data of controls. Our participants are scanned at only one time-point. | up to 4 years following date of injury | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Traumatic brain injury, Post-concussive symptoms, Brain imaging, Neurocognitive testing