Current and Emerging Techniques in Neuroimaging of Sport-Related Concussion

Abstract

Summary: Sport-related concussion (SRC) affects an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million Americans each year. Sport-related concussion results from biomechanical forces to the head or neck that lead to a broad range of neurologic symptoms and impaired cognitive function. Although most individuals recover within weeks, some develop chronic symptoms. The heterogeneity of both the clinical presentation and the underlying brain injury profile make SRC a challenging condition. Adding to this challenge, there is also a lack of objective and reliable biomarkers to support diagnosis, to inform clinical decision making, and to monitor recovery after SRC. In this review, the authors provide an overview of advanced neuroimaging techniques that provide the sensitivity needed to capture subtle changes in brain structure, metabolism, function, and perfusion after SRC. This is followed by a discussion of emerging neuroimaging techniques, as well as current efforts of international research consortia committed to the study of SRC. Finally, the authors emphasize the need for advanced multimodal neuroimaging to develop objective biomarkers that will inform targeted treatment strategies after SRC.

Maximizing the Clinical Value of Blood-Based Biomarkers for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

“…The study's limitations are that it failed to include brain injury patterns such as subdural/epidural hemorrhage, and future work needs to be done on whether MRI or other imaging modalities are useful for predicting long-term functionality. Other structural neuroimaging methods include diffusion tensor imaging, susceptibility-weighted imaging, functional MRI, and perfusion imaging through arterial spin labeling [42].…”

Sports Neurophysiology—Keep Moving!

“…Besides highlighting the possibilities of providing the necessary multisystem assessment for patients with SRC, both manuscripts describe the current challenges for the clinical use of these techniques, which may often be seen in the lack of consistency and replicability of clinical data. In the third article, Esopenko et al 6 elucidate the various possibilities of multimodal neuroimaging to investigate subtle SRC-associated changes not only in brain function but also in brain structure, metabolism, and perfusion.…”